Customer Reviews

Gertrude Jekyll: The Making of a Garden--Gertrude Jekyll - An Anthology

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Perhaps it is due in part to that time of year when most of us turn to the exhilarating pleasures of watching Spring waken the dormant lawns and flowerbeds, the pots and trees that have survived the coffin of winter. Or perhaps it is the nostalgia of noting a friendly blossom from a wastrel seed from last summer's plant. Or perhaps it is that special time of day when, garden tended, we relax after our labors and read of the history of the smells and sights we've unblanketed. Whatever the reason, returning to the timeless writings of Gertrude Jekyll and the inimitable manner in which she shared her passion and love for her garden is renewing and rewarding.

In this beautiful book compiled by Cherry Lewis are photographs and numerous paintings that provided the atmosphere of an illuminated manuscript to the wise, warm, thoughtful and enormously timeless instruction for the gardener. Her writings are composed like conversations about old friends, and on reading we just happen to feel like one of them. Jekyll lived from 1843 to 1932 and never stopped discussing the care and management of the gardens she grew and those she designed. And her advice is superior to the many wordy, current 'how to' books on gardening because that advice comes not only from a botanist but also a naturalist.

This lavishly illustrated book contains some lovely old painting reproductions in super color and on quality paper. Appearing like a Valentine yet containing solid sage advice on horticulture, this book is a treasure house of information and reveries. And perhaps that is why it surfaces so comfortably during Spring to linger on the coffee table year round. A Gift. Grady Harp, April 05

Nice book with a great history. The artist renderings are lovely but could be more plant specific then a general "halo of beauty" effect.