Horticulture and landscaping
Discover a world of garden history, landscape design, and plant science through our collections. They offer a unique look at our natural and designed world, featuring everything from personal diaries of 19th-century head gardeners to records of Yorkshire’s heritage parks. Whether you are interested in historic plant species or landscape photography, these materials provide a fascinating resource for researchers and nature lovers alike.
Researching horticulture and landscaping
The collections provide a comprehensive look at horticulture and gardening, covering everything from the science of plant breeding and agriculture to the practical care of flowers like roses. You can explore the history of landscape design and architecture, which features titles on how grand estates, historic gardens, and city spaces were planned and built throughout the centuries. There is also focus on conservation and restoration, showing the efforts made to protect and manage historic parks and designed landscapes for future generations.
In addition to design, we have titles on public and royal parks, detailing the management of famous urban green spaces and national parklands. The collections also highlight personal and social history, including the private diaries of head gardeners, family records, and biographies of influential plant collectors and architects. Finally, you will find a wealth of visual and artistic materials, such as botanical illustrations, garden photography, and historic maps that illustrate the changing beauty of our natural world.
Notable collections and collectors
Garden History Society collection
This collection covers material on the history of landscape, garden design, horticulture and conservation assembled and owned by the Gardens Trust (formerly the Garden History Society).
Yorkshire Gardens Trust Archive
This archive contains records relating to the establishment and running of the Trust, as well as project work and publications.
James Hornby archive
It contains correspondence, photographs, and artefacts. Hornby became the head gardener at Heslington Hall in 1870 and was responsible for all aspects of the gardens at Heslington Hall. His early diary of operations includes details of fruits, vegetables and flowers grown in the gardens and greenhouses.
Institute of Advanced Architectural studies
A collection containing material on landscaping and city planning.
Environment and Natural History Collections' website
The Borthwick holds a significant number of archives relating to the environment, landscape and natural history.
How to access the collections
All the collections can be accessed via the Library's online catalogue. A valid University of York username and password is required to access content online.
Items held in the library can be consulted on site. Most of these titles can be borrowed using a suitable library card, some titles might be reference only and can only be read on site.
Items held in the Borthwick can be consulted in the Borthwick Reading Room and copies can be made subject to copyright and condition. These materials cannot be loaned outside the University of York without the permission of the owners. Books in the Rare Books Collection and may also be consulted at the Borthwick Institute for Archives.