PADNWS-03-09-24 GARDEN PARTY Gertrude_Jekyll_portrait.jpg

An oil painting by Sir William Newzam Prior Nicholson depicts horticulturalist Gertrude Jekyll.

March is Women’s History Month. Women are known for their leadership in many fields, but less known as gardeners. Their accomplishments have had equal and lasting importance. At one time women were banned from gardening as it was considered not suitable for women nor were they capable.

When Andre Le Notre designed the gardens of Versailles, the emphasis was on a “tapestry of green plants.†It was because of Marie-Antoinette’s love of all plants for their color, flowers, and fragrances that they were introduced in The Queen’s Garden. Her horticulturists collected plants worldwide, including her favorite tree, our tulip poplar. Her vast collection of roses inspired many others to start growing and collecting. The rose is the most popular flower in the garden.

Contact Carolyn Roof, the Sun’s gardening columnist at carolynroof02@gmail.com.

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