Life and Times of a Gertrude Jekyll Garden

The Life and Times of a Gertrude Jekyll Garden by Rosaleen Wilkinson

ISBN 0-9532830-2-X

This is the story of a grand country house and its beautiful and historic garden.

Designed by Gertrude Jekyll in 1912, the garden fell into ruin eighty years later. At the turn of the 21 st century it has been lovingly restored.

Discover the history of the house from the era of the “Roaring Twenties” and the endless parties, through the dramatic years of World War II, the sale of the estate, and the lively years when Townhill became an educational institution.

The story is told through eye-witness accounts of members of the Montagu family, for whom the house was built, their servants and gardeners – and the people who have lived and worked at Townhill in later years.

The book is a work of social history, bringing to life the world of the grand country house. It will also be of interest to the serious garden historian as the gardeners of the 20's and 30's describe their techniques. Fred Rose, Head Gardener at Townhill for nearly thirty years, was renowned for his work hybridising rhododendrons and many of his splendid specimens found their way to the USA before the Second World War. The book is a “must” for Gertrude Jekyll enthusiasts as it explains so many of her ideas, and shows how Townhill is a classic interpretation of her genius.

The book can be ordered:

• by post from the author, price £12 + £2 p&p Tel 023 8078 1012
• from The Echo Shop, Hanover Buildings , Southampton City Centre
• Bitterne Local History Shop, Peartree Avenue , Bitterne, Southampton
• Shirley Library, High Street, Shirley, Southampton