Gertrude Jekyll

Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) was a celebrated horticulturalist, garden designer and writer. Before her interest in gardening developed, Jekyll was also a gifted decorative artist, and one of the highlights of the RHS Lindley Library's collections is a scrapbook which captures her talent and fascination with pattern. When her eyesight began to fail, she switched her interest to garden design. She created designs for over 400 gardens. The RHS Lindley Library holds Jekyll's correspondence with actress Amy Barnes Brand (1890-1974) who asked Jekyll to supply planting plans and plants for her garden in Holmbury St Mary, Surrey. Jekyll was happy to take on this work, despite being in her eighties and coping with poor eyesight. The Library also holds letters written by Jekyll to plantsman E. A. Bowles, and garden writer William Robinson.