Postcard of a Carpet Bedding Room in Wibsey Park, Bradford (1930) by CGC LtdGarden Museum
Postcards were incredibly popular from 1902 when the Post Office created the ‘divided back’, allowing both the address and message to be written on one side. The Garden Museum’s collection of early 20th century postcards provides a fascinating window into the gardens of the time.
Postcard of The Carpet Gardens, Eastbourne (1905) by UnknownGarden Museum
They often showcase how intricate flat and sculptural carpet bedding was used to create extravagant floral displays for public spaces.
Postcard of Carpet Bedding, Wannock gardens (1925) by UnknownGarden Museum
Carpet bedding is the planting of blooming plants close together into a clear design to create patterns, images and text.
By Hans WildLIFE Photo Collection
The practice began in the Victoria era and in the 1860’s was popularised in the UK by John Fleming, the head gardener at Cliveden in Buckinghamshire.
Postcard: Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire (c. 1915) by A. CherryGarden Museum
Around 1900, socialite Miss Alice Rothschild introduced three dimensional carpet bedding in the form of a large basket at Eythrope the adjoining estate to her family home Waddesdon Manor.
Postcard of Floral Piano, Bradford (1915/1925) by UnknownGarden Museum
Both flat carpet bedding and this sculptural style of bedding were quickly adopted in public parks and gardens across the country. These public displays attracted people into the town parks and were used to cultivate a sense of civic pride, showcasing written messages and emblems, as well as new ideas.
Postcard of Floral Clock, Edinburgh (1905) by UnknownGarden Museum
One of the most famous of these displays is the Floral Clock at West Princes Street Gardens in Edinburgh. Invented by the Superintendent of Parks John McHattie and clockmaker James Ritche in 1903, it was the first of its kind and remains in Edinburgh and now has around 40,000 plants used in its designs.
Postcard of Floral Cuckcoo Clock, Swansea (1914) by UnknownGarden Museum
Edinburgh’s clock was so popular that other interpretations of the theme quickly appeared.
Postcard of Floral Staircase, Bridlington (1923) by unknownGarden Museum
While some examples remain in public spaces and grand gardens, carpet bedding has been in decline since the early 1900’s with most modern parks opting for more informal styles such as wild flower meadows. This is perhaps due to the labour intensive processes needs for carpet beds such as gridding large areas with twine and marking designs in sand.
Postcard of The Carpet Gardens, Eastbourne (1905) by UnknownGarden Museum
The style was not always popular with everyone. In 1913 Marie-Luise Gothein wrote in “History of Garden Art” (1913 ) ‘Unfortunately this ugly and stupid style is to found in certain public garden even in our own day’.
Postcard of Carpet Bedding, Wolverhampton (1915) by UnknownGarden Museum
Although not to everyone’s taste, the creativity and skilled process has a lot to be admired.
