A Woman's Hardy Garden

by Helena Rutherfurd Ely, Ann Lovejoy (Foreword by)

"Love of flowers and all things green and growing is with many men and women a passion
so strong that it often seems to be a sort of primal instinct." So writes Helena Rutherford
Ely in this engaging book on hardy flowers that is both instructional and charming to read.
Chapters include instruction on how to prepare the soil, design a garden, and plant a small
plot. The middle section of the book includes detailed information on annuals and
perennials and other flowers, all of which are lovingly and thoroughly described. And the
final part includes accents that can further enhance the beauty of the garden- water,
walks, sundials, and others.

Helena Rutherford Ely was the author of Another Hardy Garden Book and The Practical
Flower Garden. She maintained homes in Manhattan and Sussex County, New Jersey. She
died in 1920.

140 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1903

Reviews

[Jpenn Gbam · Rating 3 out of 5]

A marvel for its time, could be updated with pictures today. The prices of plants back then is a hoot.

[Evelyn V Bishop · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book was written in 1903, most of the information contained herein still applies. The only sore thumb in there was the list of poisons that were used in that era. It was a delightful book and written with enthusiasm.

I gave this book 4 stars. It would have 5 stars for the writing. The only drawback was the list of poisons used, but it was accurate, since they were used then.

The author had quite a large property and gardens all around. Also "men" to do all the heavy work, and maids to deadhead assiduously. It would be a dream for me. I think anyone who really enjoys gardening will relish this book.