John Abercrombie: The Tea-Loving Vegetarian Who Shaped Gardening Literature
This botanical history post was featured on The Daily Gardener podcast:
May 2, 1806
On this day, the gardening world bid farewell to John Abercrombie, a character of singular charm and a true Scot who lived and breathed gardening. The previous day, John had fallen down some steps, a tragic accident that proved fatal due to a hip fracture he had suffered weeks earlier.
Abercrombie's life was as colorful as the gardens he tended. His love for a cup of tea was legendary, and his vegetarian diet was a source of much amusement to some. In his later years, he could often be found indulging in these habits, firmly believing they contributed to his well-being. One can almost picture him, pipe in hand, surrounded by the scent of tobacco and freshly turned earth, contemplating his next horticultural venture.
Born in Edinburgh, Abercrombie's green thumb first flourished in the Royal Gardens at Kew and Leicester House. Later, he ventured into market gardening, establishing successful enterprises in Hackney and Tottenham. But it was his pen that truly cultivated his legacy.
Abercrombie's magnum opus, Every Man His Own Garden, remains a cornerstone of horticultural literature. While he penned other notable works, such as The Garden Mushroom and The Complete Wall and Tree Pruner, none quite matched the enduring popularity of his first masterpiece. One can imagine gardeners of the time eagerly poring over his words, much as we today might consult a favorite gardening blog or podcast.
A curious twist of fate adds a poignant note to Abercrombie's story: his 17 children all predeceased him, the last departing this mortal coil a decade before his own passing. One wonders if his gardens provided solace in the face of such profound loss, the cycle of planting and growth a reminder of life's continuity.
Abercrombie's life and work remind us that gardening is more than just a pastime—it's a way of life, a philosophy, and a legacy. His story encourages us to tend not just to our plants, but to our habits, our knowledge, and our connections with others. As we sip our tea and survey our gardens, let's raise a toast to John Abercrombie, a true gardener's gardener.
