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...
It's lovely, Phillip. I wish I could see it in person some day. Enjoy your rest break, when you get it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a well earned break, Phillip! I didn't have time to come see it this year (and I'm sure things have changed) but I know you two have a wonderful garden. Next time...
ReplyDeleteI made note of your open dates on my calendar but had conflicts on each one. Someday (year?) I'll make it back.
ReplyDeleteAnd I've got to get over to see yours as well!
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