South London Botanical Institute visit to John Innes Park
John Innes Park, Merton Park
South West London
SLBI visit to the park, July 2009
John Innes (1829-1904)
In his will John Innes established a Trust on land in Merton Park to establish a school of horticulture to give technical instruction in the principles of science and the art of horticulture. It became a centre for the investigation of how common fruit species breed and the development of new species.
He bought an area of farmland which he called Merton Park, built houses on some of it, and experimented with growing different crops for the London market.
John Innes composts
John Innes compost was developed in Merton, but subsequently the company sold up because of poor soil and moved first to Hertfordshire and then to Norwich, where research and training in plant science continues.
John Innes is commemorated with a fine table tomb in the churchyard at St Mary's, Merton Park, South West London. The holly hedges in the conservation area are a reminder of his enthusiasm for holly trees.
Further information about this park, John Innes and the South London Botanical Institute can be found here:
South London Botanical Institute visit to John Innes Park
John Innes Park, Merton Park
South West London
SLBI visit to the park, July 2009
John Innes (1829-1904)
In his will John Innes established a Trust on land in Merton Park to establish a school of horticulture to give technical instruction in the principles of science and the art of horticulture. It became a centre for the investigation of how common fruit species breed and the development of new species.
He bought an area of farmland which he called Merton Park, built houses on some of it, and experimented with growing different crops for the London market.
John Innes composts
John Innes compost was developed in Merton, but subsequently the company sold up because of poor soil and moved first to Hertfordshire and then to Norwich, where research and training in plant science continues.
John Innes is commemorated with a fine table tomb in the churchyard at St Mary's, Merton Park, South West London. The holly hedges in the conservation area are a reminder of his enthusiasm for holly trees.
Further information about this park, John Innes and the South London Botanical Institute can be found here: