Famous Women Gardeners

Introduction

GERTRUDE JEKYLL
V. SACKVILLE-WEST
EDNA WALLING
LESTER ROWNTREE
ELIZABETH VON ARNIM

You may have heard of the first two but not have heard of the last two ladies. During the next weeks we will learn how these five women had an enormous influence on our modern-day gardens and I hope to open to you, with discussions and suggested readings, their fascinating gardening world and interesting lives.

These women had many things in common, though they lived and gardened in different geographical areas. They were all passionate about gardening, they lived mostly in the same period of time and they designed and planted other people's gardens, creating a soft and romantic style. Perhaps we could say they planted with a strongly feminine style.

When we examine their personalities, we might remark they presented a masculine presence - the way they dressed, the physical garden labour they undertook and their strong belief in equality of the sexes. Although there are these shared characteristics, we will discover they all led quite different private lives!

The women gardeners were most prolific in their writing and publishing of books and articles. They were pioneers in women being able to enter the world of professional landscaping gardeners. Prior to the 20th Century, in the 19th Century, ladies stayed at home and wrote their delightful garden books - I enjoy reading them very much. But a big change took place in the 20th Century and we owe a great deal to these ladies who presented, to the home gardeners, fresh ideas and gardening advice.

Through reading the books of these wonderful gardeners, we will learn of not only their thoughts regards gardening and their love of certain plants but the influences that changed their lives and style of living.

Gardening is a peaceful and yet exciting endeavour enjoyed by millions through out the world. Pioneer writers and gardeners changed the philosophy and style of modern day gardening which is becoming the most popular pastime throughout the world. Will this be revolutionary enough to make the world a safe and environmentally clean home for all of mankind?

Tasmania is the island state of Australia where I live and garden. It was also the home of another unique lady gardener. Kitty Henry was my garden Guru and I have written an article about Kitty in Suite 101.com. You may like to read this before joining us in exploring the lives of these other , just as interesting, but more famous women gardeners and where we will venture when you take part in this course.

Kitty Henry a gardener and florist of outstanding talent who loved deep, red roses and lilies that flourished in her wild and wonderful garden.

What Students Are Saying...
Loved the course; it was interesting, informative, entertaining and well-written. The subject is one I've been interested in for years.

Lessons

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