I'm referring to a gardening trend that is known as Grandmother's Garden. Often appearing haphazard or growing at random, this garden was actually designed as a painting with an eye to composition using color, shape, and texture. It is no wonder then that so many painters, writers, poets, and other artists created such gardens. Or that these gardens inspired them and are seen in their works. This is well stated by Frank Waugh in his 1910 book, The Landscape Beautiful .
Every good nurseryman knows the plants.
Only the artist and the genius know how to blend these materials into pictures of abiding beauty. Gardens, just as music and other works of art, really are a result and reflection of society, the conditions, and lifestyles of the time. This book is a wonderful insight into the American writers and impressionist painters of the period, and the subsequent Arts and Crafts movement. But unlike other art books on this period, the author uses her knowledge as an avid gardener to describe the landscaping and plants reflected in these artists' works. The book contains many early black and white photographs of the various artists and their gardens.