The Hidden Horticulturists by Davison Fiona;

Author:Davison, Fiona;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Atlantic Books

It does not seem that James did ‘retrieve himself’, because the Garden Committee Minutes of 3 April 1826 record the secretary reporting that ‘in consequence of the misconduct of James Barnet Under-Gardener in the Orchard, he had found it necessary to dismiss him from the service of the Society’.6 Unfortunately, Sabine did not feel it necessary to put on record any further justification of his decision. As the Society’s assertive secretary, with untrammelled executive control over the Chiswick Garden, Sabine was in the position to be judge, jury and executioner when it came to the discipline and dismissal of garden staff. This means that we will never know exactly what perceived or real offence James Barnet was guilty of, in order to provoke this reaction. In spite of this damning assessment, the Caledonian Horticultural Society confirmed Barnet’s appointment. The CHS probably gave more credence to the views of its own member, William McNab, who had personally supervised Barnet for three years, rather than the views of Joseph Sabine. Indeed, a letter in the CHS archives from Barnet to McNab gives no hint of any ‘untoward temper’ or lack of respect. He writes, ‘I cheerfully consent to take advice from you in all cases where difficulties may arise, and that I will always consider respectfully, from one who is superior in years, experience and general information.’7 Joseph Sabine was known to be prickly and dictatorial, a man highly conscious of social hierarchies and the deference that he felt due to him. Reading the reasonable and respectful tone of James’ letter to McNab, it is hard not to conclude that Sabine had simply decided that the attention given to Barnet’s strawberry work had gone to his head and he needed taking down a peg.

The initial signs were that the CHS was right to have faith in its decision to choose James Barnet. He cultivated interesting and high-quality specimens that won accolades and prizes. In July 1830 the new garden was sufficiently well established for the CHS to throw its doors open to Edinburgh society with an afternoon promenade, featuring band music, an exhibition of plants submitted for judging and a special fruit-tasting event. A large tent was erected, with staging at each end for the display of exotics, proudly described as ‘probably never surpassed in Britain’.8 There was even a stage set up for an orchestra and dancers next to the pineapple stove, which must have caused Barnet some anxiety. Garden staff wearing smart new aprons were stationed around the garden to act as guides and stewards to more than 400 guests. Although rain cut the festivities short, the Society’s secretary, Patrick Neill, was confident that the event had given ‘general satisfaction’.

That test over, it was clear that Barnet’s duties had built up to a point where he needed an assistant. The Caledonian Horticultural Society had just the man in mind – James McNab, still working in the Botanic Garden next door. He was appointed on a salary of £40 a year.

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