Lecturer, Researcher and Writer in the History of Gardens and Designed Landscapes
If you cannot find the information you need then please e-mail me with any queries twigsway@me.com.
Lecturer, Researcher and Writer
Currently the Course Director for the University of Buckingham MA (Research) and PhD in Garden History, I am fascinated by the past and intrigued by the role of gardens and landscape in society, art and culture. With a background in archaeology my understanding of landscape and design is embedded within their cultural context. My academic research has concentrated on a range of topics including the role of women and gender in garden and landscape design of all periods, gardens of the working and middling classes, and the impact of politics and war on design and production. Whether focussing on individual plants or centuries of garden culture, my work encompasses symbolism and meaning, class and gender, art and literature. From gnomes in Neasden to hollyhocks from the Holy Land every plant has a tale to tell, every garden a past and every person a role in that past.
For more information on the University of Buckingham Ma and PhD in Garden History SEE https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/courses/research/ma-garden-history/
Course Director MA and PhD Garden History (University of Buckingham)
Re-launched in 2023, the Master’s and PhD in Garden History at The University of Buckingham gives students a unique opportunity to undertake research into a topic or theme of their own choosing with the support, guidance and supervision of established garden historians and academics. Through a series of seminars and lectures delivered by owners, heritage professionals, and academics we provide the context and support for your ideas to thrive and your research and professional aims to come to fruition. For more information on the University of Buckingham Ma and PhD in Garden History SEE https://www.buckingham.ac.uk/courses/research/ma-garden-history/ or contact Twigs direct at twigs.way@buckingham.ac.uk
Rachel Ruysch 1716 Still Life with Flowers on a Marble Table Top (Rijksmuseum Open Access)
Arts Society Speaker
Please Note as of 1 January 2026 I have ‘retired’ from the Arts Society list of speakers to concentrate on my University of Buckingham commitments, but I am fulfilling all already booked engagements with individual Societies.
I am an accredited and experienced Arts Society Speaker with a range of highly illustrated talks designed to enlighten and engage the audience. My focus includes artist’s gardens including the Impressionists, 18th and 19th century female botanical artists including Mary Delany and Marianne North, garden makers and travellers, garden artists and artists gardeners, and the art and culture of specific flowers including the divine golden Sunflower.
For more information on my Arts Society talks see the specific page for these .
Speaker for Garden and History Societies
Please Note as of 1 January 2026 I have temporarily ‘retired’ from providing talks for societies to concentrate on my University of Buckingham commitments, but I am fulfilling all already booked engagements with individual Societies.
There is nothing I enjoy more than talking about my favourite subjects including garden history, allotment history, women and gardens, art and gardens, and of course the themes of my books such as the history of the allotment, the suburban garden from the Romans to the 21st century or the chrysanthemum in art and culture.
I have recently developed talks on Traditional Wildflower Names and Traditional Garden Flower Names and also a talk of Poisons in the Borders, Death in the Beds.
Choose this link to learn more about the talks which I have developed specifically for garden clubs, many of which are also suited to history societies.
Evacuees go out to garden on wartime allotments from ‘Digging for Victory: The Wartime Garden’ by Twigs Way and Mike Brown 2010
Consultancy in Historic Designed Landscapes
My background spans a thirty year period as an independent consultant and researcher leading projects on historic gardens and designed landscapes of all periods and sizes. Specialising in the production of Parkland Management Plans (PMP), Conservation Plans (CP) and Heritage Statements sites have included Melton Constable, Thorndon Hall, Copped Hall, Warley Place, Madinglay Hall and the parklands across the Greensand Ridge. I also undertake specific research targeted projects for public and private clients. I was lead for instigation and training volunteer groups in Essex to document historic parks and gardens in the area of Southend, having completed a similar project in Thurrock. In 2025 I have ‘retired’ from pconsultancy to concentrate on my University of Buckingham commitments.
Surveying in Thorndon Park, Essex as part of a Parkland Management Plan