Gertrude Jekyll Books

Gertrude Jekyll grew up wanting to be a painter. Fortunately for all gardeners, she turned to gardening instead, where her love of plants, allied to her eye for colour and for the architectural 'structure' of a garden, produced a revolution in twentieth-century garden design. By her writings, and by the gardens she created (notably her own at Munstead Wood), she killed off the regimental 'Parks Department' style of gardening, with its ugly rows of ill-matched bedding plants, and introduced the idea of a garden as a succession of rooms or spaces in which every plant, shrub or tree would be in harmony with every other.A posthumous collection of her notes and articles written over a period of nearly forty years, it is a distillation of her revolutionary approach to gardening. More than that, it communicates a love of plants and the natural world which is wholly inspiring and at times highly moving.

This book offers a detailed exploration of color theory as it applies to flower gardening, drawing on the expertise of Gertrude Jekyll, a pioneering figure in horticulture. It emphasizes the importance of color combinations and arrangements in creating visually stunning gardens. Jekyll shares practical advice and her artistic vision, making it a valuable resource for both amateur and experienced gardeners looking to enhance their floral displays. The reproduction captures her insights and timeless principles in garden design.

The book is a classical work that highlights the significance of English gardens throughout history. Alpha Editions has undertaken the preservation of this important text by republishing it in a modern format, ensuring its readability and accessibility for current and future generations. The book has been carefully reformatted and retyped, avoiding the use of scanned copies to enhance clarity and presentation.

A selection of the best and most important passages from Gertrude Jekyll's many books on gardening, incorporating design and ornament, colour and scent, and flowers in the house.