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A Woman's Hardy Garden
A Woman's Hardy Garden by Helena Rutherfurd Ely
This little book is only meant to tell briefly of a few shrubs, hardy perennials, biennials and annuals of simple culture. I send it forth, hoping that my readers may find within its pages some help to plant and make their gardens grow.
Meadowburn Farm
October, 1902
Love of flowers and all things green and growing is with many men and women a passion so strong that it often seems to be a sort of primal instinct, coming down through generation after generation, from the first man who was put into a garden “to dress it and to keep it.” People whose lives, and those of their parents before them, have been spent in dingy tenements, and whose only garden is a rickety soap-box high up on a fire-escape, share this love, which must have a plant to tend, with those whose gardens cover acres and whose plants have been gathered from all the countries of the world. How often in summer, when called to town, and when driving through the squalid streets to the ferries or riding on the elevated road, one sees these gardens of [4] the poor. Sometimes they are only a Geranium or two, or the gay Petunia. Often a tall Sunflower, or a Tomato plant red with fruit. These efforts tell of the love for the growing things, and of the care that makes them live and blossom against all odds. One feels a thrill of sympathy with the owners of the plants, and wishes that some day their lot may be cast in happier places, where they too may have gardens to tend.
This little book is only meant to tell briefly of a few shrubs, hardy perennials, biennials and annuals of simple culture. I send it forth, hoping that my readers may find within its pages some help to plant and make their gardens grow.
Meadowburn Farm
October, 1902
Love of flowers and all things green and growing is with many men and women a passion so strong that it often seems to be a sort of primal instinct, coming down through generation after generation, from the first man who was put into a garden “to dress it and to keep it.” People whose lives, and those of their parents before them, have been spent in dingy tenements, and whose only garden is a rickety soap-box high up on a fire-escape, share this love, which must have a plant to tend, with those whose gardens cover acres and whose plants have been gathered from all the countries of the world. How often in summer, when called to town, and when driving through the squalid streets to the ferries or riding on the elevated road, one sees these gardens of [4] the poor. Sometimes they are only a Geranium or two, or the gay Petunia. Often a tall Sunflower, or a Tomato plant red with fruit. These efforts tell of the love for the growing things, and of the care that makes them live and blossom against all odds. One feels a thrill of sympathy with the owners of the plants, and wishes that some day their lot may be cast in happier places, where they too may have gardens to tend.
150 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1903
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 4, 2024
A marvel for its time, could be updated with pictures today. The prices of plants back then is a hoot.
December 26, 2016
Even though this book was written in 1903, most of the information contained herein still applies. The only sore thumb in there was the list of poisons that were used in that era. It was a delightful book and written with enthusiasm.
I gave this book 4 stars. It would have 5 stars for the writing. The only drawback was the list of poisons used, but it was accurate, since they were used then.
The author had quite a large property and gardens all around. Also "men" to do all the heavy work, and maids to deadhead assiduously. It would be a dream for me. I think anyone who really enjoys gardening will relish this book.
I gave this book 4 stars. It would have 5 stars for the writing. The only drawback was the list of poisons used, but it was accurate, since they were used then.
The author had quite a large property and gardens all around. Also "men" to do all the heavy work, and maids to deadhead assiduously. It would be a dream for me. I think anyone who really enjoys gardening will relish this book.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews