Regency Gardens and Conservatories
WITH LOUISA CORNELLRegistration Closes January 13th, 2026!
Class Description
In Regency England, gardens and conservatories served a variety of purposes, including aesthetic display, social gathering venues, areas of private reflection, economic production, and scientific study. They were far more than just planted spaces; they were an extension of the home that reflected the owner’s wealth, taste, and interests.
In this class we will discuss every aspect of the gardens and conservatories of the era. From garden planning and design to their upkeep and renovation topics will include the important garden designers of the day, the various types of gardens, plants best suited to various climates and to conservatory keeping, the well-known gardens throughout the United Kingdom, the various purposes of gardens and of conservatories, and the costs of their construction and maintenance.
Gardens and conservatories were a statement of wealth, an expression of aesthetics, a declaration of interest in botany and other scientific endeavors, and for some a labor of love. They expressed wealth, beauty, humor, an appreciation of other cultures, grief, and sometimes obsession. Many were legacies passed on from generation to generation.All had and still have stories to tell about those who owned them, designed them, and kept them. Stories this class will explore.
About the Instructor
Louisa has been employed as everything from a veterinary technician to a bakery manager to night manager at a funeral home. Her education background includes a B.S. in Music Education and a B.A. in Vocal Performance from Judson College, a Master of Musical Arts and a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Opera Performance and Music History from the University of Southern Mississippi, and a year’s fellowship at the Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria.
After retiring from a European career as an opera singer Louisa returned to her first love, writing Regency romance. A two-time Golden Heart finalist, three-time Daphne du Maurier winner, and four-time Royal Ascot winner—she is a member of RWA, Southern Magic RWA, and Regency Fiction Writers. She is both indie published and published by Scarsdale Publishing. Her first published work, the novella A Perfectly Dreadful Christmas, won the 2015 Holt Medallion. Her novel A Study in Passion won the historical romance mid-length category of RWA’s 2021 Vivian Award. Her 26th book A Pearl Seduced was published in August, 2024. Her first contemporary romance Cajun in a Kilt was published in December, 2024 and the fifth The Duke, the Witch, and the Party Planner was published in April, 2025.
Louisa has taught workshops for the Academe and has presented multiple workshops for The Beau Monde / Regency Fiction Writers Annual Conferences. She has also taught writing craft workshops for RWA chapters, her local library, and RWA’s Pen-2-Paper program.
Her hobbies include collecting Regency research books, studying the history of Gothic romance, creating Regency hats, and playing doorman and maid to a herd of small, yappy dogs. She visits the UK as often as she can! Visit the instructor’s website at https://www.facebook.com/RegencyWriterLouisaCornell or http://numberonelondon.net/
Class Delivery
This class consists of written PDF lessons with illustrations.
Class Format
4-WEEK COURSE
Written Lectures: YES
Video Lectures: NO
Other Videos: NO
Pictures: YES
Audio Files: NO
Writing Exercises: NO
Class Fees
$40 for RFW members
$55 for non-members
Registration Closes January 13th, 2026!
Scholarships are available for members