The Gardens of Mien Ruys - a book review
I don't know how I missed her, but I was totally unfamiliar with Mien Ruys. A beautiful new book The Gardens of Mien Ruys details her life and work. Born in the Netherlands in 1904, she was the daughter of Bonne Ruys, who founded Moerheim Nursery in 1888. She grew up in a liberal atmosphere and encouraged to learn and study. She found great comfort in the natural world around her and learned all the plants in her father's nursery at a young age. After leaving school at the age of 19, she knew that she wanted to work in the garden center. The Moerheim Nursery, in addition to selling plants, had an on-site design studio where they published a detailed catalog and sold landscape design plans to customers. It was in the design studio where Ruys first began to work and she was soon encouraged to venture beyond her country and study abroad. Her father's connections helped her secure a traineeship with Wallace & Sons Nursery in Tunbridge Wells in England. There, she met Gertr...
All beauties!
ReplyDeleteWhen Azaleas and the flowers that accompany bloom, the most humble abode becomes fairyland and well-tended gardens like your own are at their most spectacular. White Wisteria on a rustic arbor is a crowning touch.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful views of my favorite season! After touring your garden, I obtained my own bit of Persicaria 'Purple Dragon.' It is growing well, and I love it! Epimedium took a while to get established, but now it is spreading well in the woodland garden and has become a favorite.
ReplyDeleteEpimedium does take time to get established but when it does, it is lovely. One of the best ground covers for dry shade too.
DeleteAbsolutely beautiful!
ReplyDeleteIt is so exciting to see your garden abloom. I know in a couple of weeks we too will have some of the same blooms. Love your azaleas. I haven't had luck with them in my garden. I planted what is supposed to be a native last year. It might have made it through the winter. It is barely showing a bit of life on the tips. Here is hope...
ReplyDeleteI don't have too many azaleas. I now have 2 natives, was just given one by a friend. They do really well for us, I don't know why I have not planted more.
DeleteIt is beautiful Phillip! Love spring.
ReplyDeleteWhat an enchanted garden...
ReplyDeleteIt may be a little subtle, but I think the Epimediums are my favorites of this batch of photos...
Hello, beautiful photos and wonderful plants :) Regards Monika
ReplyDeleteSpring, you are such a beauty. No wonder we all love you so!
ReplyDeleteA collection of lovely plants ! Spring has definitely sprung! Your garden looks fantastic! can't believe your Wisteria is out already, wish mine would get a move on!
ReplyDeleteLovely Phillip. Just lovely. Happy Spring.~~Dee
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