The Compleat Gardener
Scottish Country Dance Instruction
THE COMPLEAT GARDENER (J8x32) 3C (4C set) Irene Paterson RSCDS Graded Book 31- 8 1s+2s Dance set and rotate:
Set, rotate singly and dance on 1 place clockwise, change places RH on sides and dance on 1 place to own sides (1s in 2nd place)
9-16 1s cross RH and cast right, cross LH up/down and cast left to end facing 1st corners
17-24 1s dance pass and turn with 1st corners and pass RSh to face 2nd corners, dance pass and turn with 2nd corners and pass RSh to 2nd place own sides
25-32 2s+1s+3s circle 6H round and back
(MINICRIB. Dance crib compiled by Charles Upton, Deeside Caledonian Society, and his successors)
The Compleat Gardener
Irene Paterson RSCDS Third Book of Graded Scottish Country Dances
Jig 8 x 32 bars 3 Couple Repeat 4 Couple Set Longwise Set
1-8 1s2s set and rotate:
1-1 Taking hands on the sides, 1s2s set (right foot step), finishing by releasing hold;
2-2 1M 1L 2M 2L set (left foot step) turning clockwise on the spot to finish facing clockwise;
3-4 1L1M2M2L chase clockwise one place, finishing facing partner on the side;
5-6 2s 1s cross by the right on the sides;
7-8 1L2L2M1M chase clockwise one place, finishing 2s1s on own sides;
9-16 1s cross by the right, cast clockwise around first corner, cross up and down by the left and cast anticlockwise to finish in 2nd place on own sides;
17-20 1s pass and turn with first corners, passing by the right to finish facing second corner;
21-24 1s pass and turn with second corners, passing by the right to finish in 2nd place on own sides;
25-32 2s1s3s 6 hands round and back.
(MAXICRIB. Scottish country dancing instructions compiled by Reuben Freemantle)
Dance Notes
-1 Release hands at the end of the right foot step.
Keith Rose's Crib Diagram
Dance Instruction Videos
The Compleat Gardener - Scottish Country Dancing Instruction VideoDance Information
This jig, The Compleat Gardener, was devised to celebrate David Vandegrift's retirement from a long and successful teaching career.In 1664, Stephen Blake's book The Compleat Gardener's Practice was released. This work featured 30 engraved illustrations showcasing intricate knot patterns designed to enhance the visual appeal of gardens. It also explored recommended plants and techniques for three distinct types of gardens: ornamental gardens for enjoyment, medicinal gardens for growing healing herbs, and kitchen gardens for cultivating edible plants.
Blake, who served as a gardener to William Ouglander, a Member of Parliament, remains a largely obscure historical figure beyond this role.
Centuries later, renowned British garden designer and author Rosemary Verey paid tribute to Blake's work by recreating The True Lovers' Knot, one of his elaborate knot designs, in her own formal garden at Barnsley House near Cirencester.
Blake added an inscription to the design of his knot: 'Here I have made the true Lovers Knott, To Try it in Mariage was never my Lott'.
"The Gardener" Georges Seurat (1859–1891), Oil On Panel, c. 1882-1883
Image from (cropped) Georges Seurat, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons.
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