Robert Cooper’s “The Origins and History of the Order of Free Gardeners" isn’t just a book I had the privilege of publishing; it’s a journey through time, a fascinating exploration of a lesser-known fraternal society that once rivalled Freemasonry itself.
As someone with a keen interest in history and fraternal orders, I was absolutely captivated by the charming volume. Just the pictures of the beautiful aprons and the Free-gardener lodges were a joy to behold.
Cooper sheds light on the Free Gardeners, an order shrouded in mystery, meticulously tracing their roots back to 17th-century Scotland and revealing their intriguing rituals, symbols, and philosophies, many of which draw inspiration from the Garden of Eden and other biblical tales. Instead of thinking about building the inner temple or smoothing the ashlar, you are watering the seeds of virtue and plucking out the weeds of negativity!
The book masterfully compares and contrasts the Free Gardeners with the Freemasons, both emerging from operative trades, yet their paths diverging. Understanding these similarities and differences provides a unique perspective on the development of both orders. Cooper’s writing is both scholarly and engaging. He doesn’t just present facts; he weaves a compelling narrative, bringing the history of the Free Gardeners to life with fascinating anecdotes, intriguing characters, and vivid descriptions.
Now it’s time for a confession. ……
I am a Free Gardener!
While on a speaking engagement in Victoria, Australia, I had the incredible opportunity to become a Free-Gardener myself. I don’t tend to join things, but the opportunity to see a system of rituals that evolved at the same time a Freemasonry. Indeed, I was surprised by how much the rituals were like those practised in Freemasonry.
I really hope this book will inspire interest in this beautiful order that has been in decline for so many years.