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Identifier
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PAR160
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Name
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Gunnell, Edna Mary
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Birth and death
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1879-1963
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Description
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Edna Gunnell was a trailblazer in the world of horticultural education for women.
Graduating from Salt Girls’ High School, she attended University College Reading obtaining a Certificate in Horticulture in 1900. One of only a few women to be trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew she subsequently held various teaching posts in England, Silesia, Germany and USA.
In 1920 she joined Devon County Council as a Horticultural Superintendent, the first woman to hold the post and, as part of her role, gave lectures and demonstrations to Women’s Institutes and to schools.
At first her lecturers focussed on growing, garden maintenance and pest control but during World War 2 the emphasis changed to fruit growing and food preservation: bottling, jam making, pickles and chutneys. In 1945 she received an OBE in recognition of this work.
