Gertrude Jekyll

Date of Birth: November 29, 1843

Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius

Date of Death: December 8, 1932

Biography

Gertrude Jekyll was a British horticulturist, garden designer, artist, and writer, renowned for her influence on garden design. Born in London, England, she spent her early years immersed in the arts, studying painting at the South Kensington School of Art. Jekyll’s passion for gardening began to flourish in her 30s, leading her to merge her artistic talents with horticulture. She is credited with designing over 400 gardens in the UK, Europe, and the USA. Jekyll’s approach to garden design emphasized the importance of color, texture, and the natural landscape. She often collaborated with the notable architect Edwin Lutyens, producing iconic gardens that harmonized with the surrounding architecture. Her writings, including several books and countless articles, further solidified her reputation as a leading authority in the field.

5 Interesting Facts about Gertrude Jekyll

1. Gertrude Jekyll was partially blind due to myopia, which significantly influenced her focus on the sensory aspects of garden design, such as color and scent.

2. She was a key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized traditional craftsmanship and natural materials.

3. Gertrude Jekyll’s home, Munstead Wood in Surrey, served as both her residence and a living laboratory for her garden designs.

4. Her collaboration with Edwin Lutyens led to the creation of some of the most celebrated gardens of the early 20th century, such as Hestercombe Garden in Somerset.

5. Jekyll’s influence extends beyond her lifetime, with her principles still being taught in garden design courses worldwide.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gertrude Jekyll

1. “A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all it teaches entire trust.”

2. “There is no spot of ground, however arid, bare or ugly, that cannot be tamed into such a state as may give an impression of beauty and delight.”

3. “The love of gardening is a seed once sown that never dies.”

4. “The possession of a quantity of plants, however good the plants may be, does not make a garden; it only makes a collection.”

5. “When I say that the love of gardens is a seed that once sown never dies, I also mean to say that it is a love that never wearies.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

As her career peaked in the early 20th century and net worth estimates from that period are not readily available, it is challenging to provide a precise figure. However, her contributions to horticulture and garden design have left an invaluable legacy.