Exotic Plants

Things to Consider           Teachers Notes

The earliest and most authentic records of the climate of Torquay may be found in the flora of the district, and the exotic plants cultivated in its gardens. In Blewitt’s ‘Panorama of Torquay’, published in 1832, there is a long list of species which were cultivated in those early days. Of these, the citron referred to was growing at The Grove on Park Hill, until 1870; an olive tree was trained on the front of Torre Abbey; and some fine aloes in the grounds of Cove House, near the Imperial Hotel, bloomed after their removal to Rockwood, formerly Woodbine Cottage, a few years afterwards. At Torre a broad leaved myrtle covered the front of the old post office, and as far inland as Edginswell several varieties were growing in great luxuriance in the vicarage garden.

This is an extract from Kelly’s Directory of 1883.

Glossary:

• flora: plants