
I have so far recorded the experiences of Thomas Ruddy as a traveller and a horticulture student when he went to France in 1865-66 at the age of 23. [Read the full diary extract here and an abbreviated version concentrating on the horticultural aspects here .]
The question remains: why France? Obviously it was a popular venue for students, Thomas recounts that as well as two English men, studying at the same Angers nursery there were a Swede, Nicholas Peter Jensen, son of a nurseryman, André Rovelli, another son of a nurseryman near Lake Maggiore, and Hesterman, from Potsdam, where his father was Mayor. French horticultural education was obviously popular and widely well-regarded. Thomas chose to study in the town of Angers. He records the nursery where he studied, owned by M. Leroy was 375 acres, 8 acres being for roses, and 10,000,000 trees were sold annually.
Was Angers a particularly renowned area for horticulture? Did other potential Head Gardeners go to France to study? So far I have not been able to find much detailed evidence. I should be glad of any assistance that a reader might be able to contribute.
I have gathered some thoughts and research that might give a commentary on Thomas’ decision to study in France, which you can read here.