A display at Eden
Gardens in Sydney provides a fascinating overview of Yates’s 125 years in Australia. Eden Gardens
is the home of an inspirational plant retailer, gift shop, restaurant,
education precinct and some beautiful display gardens in the Sydney
suburb of North Ryde
Arthur Yates left his native Manchester
in 1879 to migrate to New
Zealand. A few years later he travelled to Australia,
where he eventually opened a seed shop in 1887. Arthur spent the rest of his
life building up his garden supplies business in Australia. The business has carried
on Arthur’s legacy and has continued to grow over the ensuing 125 years.
The Yates story is very much a story of the everyday
Australian, and this is reflected in the display. There are dozens of
photographs: some family pictures, as well as many images from the factory,
trial farms and warehouses of this great seed and gardening firm. Yates
responses to the major events of the 20th century are recorded, as well as the
brand’s challenges of adapting to a changing society. There are extracts from
wartime newsletters, old advertising posters, seed stands and boxes, and copies
of Yates Garden Guide through the years. Reproduction Yates seed tins, filled
with heritage varieties and illustrated with archival material, are on sale.
The exhibition opening was celebrated on 23 May 2012 with
Sam Yates, great-grandson of founder Arthur Yates, and his daughter Emma as
special guests.
Anyone who is interested in Australian social history will
find this display fascinating. Eden Gardens is on the corner of Lane Cove and Fontenoy
Roads, North Ryde, NSW 2113 (just near the
intersection of the M2).
The display is expected to remain open throughout winter 2012.
Entry, through the Dragonfly Café, is free. Why not view the exhibition while
you enjoy a coffee?
For more information on Eden Gardens,
visit www.edengardens.com.au
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