Gertrude Jekyll was an influential British horticulturist and garden designer. Her last name, Jekyll, is pronounced /ˈdʒɛkəl/, with the stress on the first syllable. The first name Gertrude is pronounced /ˈɡɜːrtruːd/, with the stress on the first syllable and the "u" pronounced like the "er" in "herd". Jekyll's design philosophy emphasized the harmony and balance between plants and their surroundings, inspiring many to create beautiful and functional gardens.
Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932) was an English horticulturist, garden designer, and writer who made significant contributions to the field of landscape architecture. She is renowned for her influential work in creating and designing countless gardens, often characterized by their naturalistic and picturesque style.
Jekyll's design philosophy revolved around the idea of harmonizing the elements of gardens into a cohesive whole. She believed that a well-designed garden should be an extension of the surrounding landscape, blending seamlessly with its environment. Jekyll emphasized the importance of color, texture, and form in her garden compositions, carefully selecting and arranging plants to create visually pleasing patterns and harmonious contrasts.
Her passion for plants led her to experiment with various combinations, seeking to create gardens that would provide interest and beauty throughout the year. Jekyll is also noted for her skillful use of herbaceous borders, which became synonymous with her designs. These borders, composed of carefully selected and arranged perennials, created vibrant displays of color and texture that were a hallmark of her gardens.
In addition to her practical work in garden design, Jekyll was also a prolific writer. Her books and articles on gardening, landscape design, and the use of color in planting became highly regarded and influential within the gardening community. Jekyll's enduring legacy lies in her ability to seamlessly blend artistic sensibilities with horticultural knowledge, establishing her as one of the pioneers of modern landscape design.