George Ordish (1904–1991)

A very good book covering the full story of the phylloxera invasion and consequences; interestingly, the solution was found very quickly but no-one believed it and decades of loss occurred as a result!

Engrossing zooological history of a Kent Wealden house over four centuries that is written in a fluid style. It is unclear how much of the human history is speculative because Ordish cites none of the primary sources that he would have had to consult to inform some of that history but the heart of the book is on the house as an ecosystem.

I fell in love with this book when I read it from a library (many years ago). Finally got a used copy and it has not lost its charm. The basic idea: biography of the house, is its frame. History and biology weave in and out.

I must have read this 30 years ago but it made such an impression on me that I continue to think about it. Much to offer to students of botany, history and gardening