Edwardian charactersGertrude Jekyll (1843 to 1932)Gertrude Jekyll is considered to be one of the most important and influential garden designers and writers of the early 20th century.
She was born in London in 1843 and moved to Surrey at the age of five. In 1861 she enrolled in the South Kensington School of Art to study painting and colour theory. Gertrude enjoyed painting and embroidery, and in 1875 the Duke of Westminster consulted her for advice on the furnishings at Eaton Hall. However, she began to develop an interest in gardening and in 1881 was asked to judge at an RHS show (now the RHS Chelsea Flower Show). In 1891 she had to give up painting because of failing eyesight. This meant that she could devote all her time to gardening. She became friends with architect Edwin Lutyens. They collaborated on many projects using her knowledge of plants and colour combinations and his formal use of materials and hard landscaping. Projects included Gertrude's own house Munstead Wood in Surrey, Lindisfarne Castle in Northumberland and Hestercombe Gardens in Somerset. In 1897 Gertrude was awarded the Victoria Medal of Honour by the Royal Horticultural Society. She wrote many books including Lilies for English Gardens and Wall and Water Gardens in 1901, Roses for English Gardens in 1902, Old West Surrey in 1904 and Colour in the Flower Garden in 1908. She died in 1932. William Robinson (1838 to 1935)William Robinson advocated the making of wild or natural gardens. He worked in the Royal Botanic Garden in Regent's Park, where he was responsible for hardy herbaceous plants and building a collection of British wildflowers. This led Robinson to take inspiration from country lanes, hedgerows and cottage gardens. He also used many non-native plants, particularly from North American trees. Many of these were planted in his own garden at Gravetye Manor in Surrey. Many of his garden ideas were published in his book The Wild Garden. |
