The English-Gardener

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Book Review

The Gardener's Essential: Gertrude Jekyll
Selections and with introduction by Elizabeth Lawrence.
Published by David R. Godine, 1986; distributed by Nonpareil, 283 pgs.

" The purpose of a garden is to give its owner the best and highest pleasure"

Gertrude Jekyll
Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) was a prominent figure in the re-introduction of classic garden design during turn of the century England. Formally trained in painting and photography, Ms. Jekyll combined her love of gardening with her knowledge of form, colour, and texture. Gardens became her canvass; a living painting that transforms and re-creates itself every season. In her lifetime, she planned or had taken part in planning over 350 gardens and was the author of thirteen books on gardening.

The Gardener's Essential is not so much a "how to" book, but rather an attitude that, by its very nature, inspires the mind to consider ideas outside conventional garden design. The essays contained in the book read like pages out of a gardener’s journal, full of passion, wit and knowledge. Anyone serious about gardening cannot help but be inspired by her detailed explanations and advice, as well as her boldness to try things never tried before.

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