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...















Your garden even now is a beautiful sight.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Lisa!
DeleteCallicarpa berries are just amazing in the winter garden. The first time I encountered them my jaw dropped. The shady path is fantastic in any season and aways a favorite.
ReplyDeleteI think your Mahonia may be soft caress...
So do I - I was captivated by one in our neighborhood when we moved here. They grew in the south too. You are right about the mahonia - I will add that info.
DeleteSo many lovely blooms, but I especially love that fountain grass. I see we share the 'Lady of Shallott,' a personal favorite of mine.
ReplyDeleteI love that fountain grass. It is a dwarf and has stayed below 1 ft. tall.
DeleteYour November garden is beautiful with remaining blooms and so much color. I enjoyed the stroll!
ReplyDeleteThat aster is indeed a show-stopper! I've always coveted Callicarpa. although there's at least once species that my Sunset guide says will grow here (USDA 10b/11a, Sunset 24), I've yet to find it offered locally.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful blooms!
ReplyDeleteAnd I enjoyed the two wider views of your garden!
November is not very bloomy for me either. That NOID Fuchsia ! I can't even count the number of them I've had that sport the label ' Assorted Fuchsia'. All my Asters are over so I'm interested in 'Monte Cassino'. It reminds me of my Aster divericatus -I really want to pop in a couple more Asters .
ReplyDeleteI envy your collection of Roses specially' Golden celebration'. It would be my pleasure if you participate in my Gardening link up party here at http://jaipurgardening.blogspot.com/2021/11/garden-affair-lycoris-lily.html
ReplyDeleteWho needs blooms when you have such wonderful texture and color still.
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