Shirley Hibberd

author

Shirley Hibberd

1825–1890

A hugely popular Victorian gardening writer, he helped make horticulture practical and inviting for ordinary readers. His books and magazines brought flowers, ferns, and home gardening within reach of a wide new audience.

1 Audiobook

The Book of the Aquarium and Water Cabinet or Practical Instructions on the Formation, Stocking, and Mangement, in all Seasons, of Collections of Fresh Water and Marine Life

The Book of the Aquarium and Water Cabinet or Practical Instructions on the Formation, Stocking, and Mangement, in all Seasons, of Collections of Fresh Water and Marine Life

by Shirley Hibberd

About the author

Born James Shirley Hibberd in 1825, he became one of the best-known gardening writers of the Victorian era. He edited several gardening magazines, including Amateur Gardening, and wrote many books on horticulture as well as works on natural history.

His writing is often remembered for opening up gardening to amateurs rather than specialists. Instead of treating the subject as something only for experts, he wrote in a way that encouraged people to grow plants at home and enjoy the everyday pleasures of gardens.

Hibberd died on November 16, 1890. His reputation has lasted because he helped shape popular gardening journalism at a time when interest in home gardens was rapidly growing.