Book review: Rosemary Verey: The Life and Lessons of a Legendary Gardener
Rosemary Verey: the Life and Lessons of a Legendary Gardener by Barbara Paul Robinson
Rosemary Verey was a housewife and gardener who came to prominence late in life after her husband died and left her financially insecure. She was a self-taught garden expert heavily influenced by early English gardens and gardeners. She created traditional gardens such as Herb Gardens, Knot Gardens, Potagers and Parterre Borders. Within these formal structures, she combined “layers” of flowers to create very intense, dynamic garden spaces. Prince Charles and Elton John were clients but her lasting impact was in the United States where she instilled confidence in American gardeners through her books and tours. Garden designs by Rosemary Verey were in great demand.
Garden designs have changed and the very detailed, labour intensive garden has given way to a more relaxed and informal style. However, elements of Rosemary Verey’s design principles still exist. She stressed the beauty of the garden throughout the year including the winter and the inclusion of vegetables into flower beds. Rosemary Verey died at 82 in 2001, working to the end. Her legacy remains in part due to her prolific writing output. In the space of 20 years she wrote 17 books, 3 of her titles can be found in the library (see below).
The author of this book worked in Rosemary’s garden and became a personal friend. Her fondness for the gardener is evident although she is also objective about Rosemary’s failings and troubled personal relationship. It is unfortunate that the author is not more skillful. At times the book is repetitious and the writing style stilted. This book is successful because Rosemary Verey is a fascinating character worth reading about.
~Liz Fenwick
Books by Rosemary Verey
Classic Garden Design : How to Adapt and Recreate Garden Features of the Past
Rosemary Verey’s Making of a Garden
New Gardening Books in the Library’s collection
AboutMyPropertyTM from MPAC
The Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) has designed an online application entitled AboutMyPropertyTM for customers who want to compare their property assessment with others in their neighbourhood or municipality. It allows property owners to gain a better understanding of their property assessment through a secure, online self-service application. Through this service, a property owner can access property assessment information, site information, and recent sales information on their property and other properties in the neighbourhood, free of charge.
To access this service, please visit www.aboutmyproperty.ca. Questions or comments should be directed to MPAC (www.mpac.on.ca).
Computer Tutorials
One-on-one sessions will now be taking place on:
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Sign up at the information desk or by calling 905-775-3328 ext. 6109 to book an appointment today!
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Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?
The library is pleased to announce the addition of a new online resource for children…Sesame Street ebooks. These ebooks from Sesame Street Workshops provide you and your child with a wide range of bright, colourful and fun stories, some of which are enhanced with audio narration, sound effects and music. The collection also includes interactive and animated ebooks that bring your child’s reading and educational experience alive.
Access this collection from the Sesame Street page on our website using your library card number.
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Battle Royal Champion Revealed
Our month long battle for teen/juvenile book supremacy has ended! 32 books entered the ring, and after five rounds of voting, one book was left standing. To the surprise of many, and the delight of more, the winner is Percy Jackson. Rick Riordan’s juvenile series beat out The Hunger Games for first place. Well fought, Percy!
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