AUGUST 21, 2009: A London museum will explore 100 years of Britain’s passion for growing its own in an exhibition opening in October, and asks what does it mean to live ‘the good life’ today.

The exhibition will be held at The Garden Museum in Lambeth Palace Road from October 6 to February 21 next year. A spokesman said: “From Landshare and allotments to balconies and window-boxes, Britain has caught the ‘grow your own’ bug. People all across Britain are joining this latest craze for growing their own food in an attempt to save money and enjoy a slice of ‘the good life’. This isn’t a new trend – as a nation we’ve been passionate about growing our own fruit and vegetables for at least 100 years – but will it last? “The new exhibition will ask whether this passion for growing our own food is something embedded deep in the nation’s psyche or just another passing fad. Do we seek out the land in times of crisis or as escapism from the drudgery of our everyday lives, or is it a desire to be healthier and more in touch with nature? “Starting with the Allotment Act of 1908, through extensive photographs, personal memoirs, paintings, gardening literature and the odd home-spun sweater from the 1970s, The Good Life will revisit key moments in the story of growing food in Britain. “From the writings of key advocates like John Seymour to the fate of the Manor Garden allotments – a century-old garden allotment recently bulldozed to make way for the Olympic re-development in East London – the exhibition will tell the story of why, how and what we grow.” The museum is open daily from 10.30am to 5pm, excluding the first Monday of the month. Admission is £6, concessions £5. MORE:?Call 020 7401 8865 or visit the website www.gardenmuseum.org.uk