Showing posts with label and. Show all posts
Showing posts with label and. Show all posts
Friday, March 7, 2014
Sundrops and Evening Primrose
Oenothera
Perennials and biennials, that are mostly hardy zones 5 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on light sandy soil though soil tolerant.
Propagation is from seed, soft cuttings or division while dormant.
The young leaves of the Primrose can be eaten as a pot herb if boiled for 20 minutes in a change of water.
The abundant immature seed pods are edible and can be added to salads.
Oenothera acaulis
A dwarf, turfed perennial, reaching a maximum size of 8 inches x 2 feet, that is native to Chile.
The coarsely-toothed, Dandelion-shaped leaves are up to 8 inches in length.
The white ( fading to pink ), saucer-shaped flowers, up to 3.2 inches across, are borne all summer long. The flowers open during the evening.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.
Great for rock gardens.
Aurea
Yellow flowers
Oenothera African Sun
Forms a low, perennial carpet with rich green foliage and profuse golden-yellow flowers all summer long.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.
Looks great cascading over walls.
Oenothera berlandieri ( Mexican Evening Primrose )
A fast growing, mat-forming perennial.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil.
Very tolerant of drought and heat.
Siskiyou
Very fast growing, reaching a maximum size of 1 x 6 feet.
The fragrant, pink flowers, up to 3 inches across, are borne abundantly all summer long.
May be invasive on sites that are fertile.
* photos of unknown internet source
* photo taken on June 1 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 26 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 22 2013 in Columbia, MD
Woodside White
Fast growing, reaching a maximum size of 1 x 6 feet.
The fragrant, pure white ( with bright green throat ) flowers, up to 3 inches across, are borne all summer long. The flowers fade to pink as they age.
May be invasive on sites that are fertile.
Oenothera biennis ( Common Evening Primrose )
A biennial, reaching up to 6 feet in height, that is native to eastern North America.
The hairy leaves are mid-green.
The fragrant, pale yellow flowers open during the evening or cloudy days.
Oil from the seed contains gamma-linolenic acid which is an essential fatty acid which is considered to lower blood cholesterol.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun. Propagation is easy from seed and it often self seeds. Pest and disease resistant.
* photo taken on Aug 4 2013 in Bayfield, Ontario
* photo taken on Aug 25 2013 @ University of Maryland, College Park
Oenothera brevipes ( Desert Primrose )
Oenothera caespitosa ( Tufted Evening Primrose )
A rhizome spreading, tufted, evergreen perennial, reaching a maximum size of 10 inches x 2 feet, that is native to the southwest U.S.
The coarsely-toothed, narrow leaves are up to 6 inches in length.
The fragrant, white flowers, up to 4 inches across, are borne on short stems during the summer.
The flowers open during the evening.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun on light, sandy, dry soil. Hates winter wetness.
Oenothera californica ( California Evening Primrose )
Oenothera Cold Crick
A hybrid with Oenthera fruitcosa parentage. A fast growing, dense, clumping perennial, reaching 1 x 1.5 feet.
The deep green, narrow foliage turns to intense orange-red during autumn. The stems are reddish.
The very profuse, glowing bright yellow flowers on late spring to early summer. It usually blooms for 6 or more weeks and does not produce seed, therefore it is not invasive.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun on fertile, well drained soil. Deer resistant. Cut back by 1/2 after blooming. It can be propagated from cuttings or by division during early spring.
Oenothera fremontii
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil.
Lemon Silver
Forms a low, spreading mat, reaching a maximum size of 8 inches x 2 feet.
The non-toothed, long, silvery foliage contrasts with large, pale yellow flowers, up to 3 + inches across, that are borne early summer to early autumn.
* photo taken on May 18 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Sep 26 2013 in Baltimore Co., MD
Shimmer
Reaches up to 10 x 15 inches, with very narrow, fine-textured, silvery-gray foliage.
The bright yellow flowers, up to 3 inches across, are borne late spring through summer.
* photo taken on 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 10 2013 in Columbia, MD
Oenothera fruticosa ( Common Sundrops )
A long-lived perennial, reaching a maximum size of 5.3 x 4 + ( rarely over 3 ) feet, that is native to North America. Spreads by underground roots to form large stands.
The narrow leaves, up to 4.5 inches in length, are deep green.
The yellow flowers, up to 2.3 inches across, are borne during late spring into summer and are open during the daytime only.
Hardy zones 2 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil.
It is very drought tolerant. Divide every 2 to 3 years to maintain vigor.
* photos taken on May 16 2011 in Washington, D.C.
* photos taken on June 6 2012 in Columbia, MD
Fireworks
Reaches a maximum size of 5.5 x 4 ( rarely over 3 ) feet, with red stems and yellow flowers, up to 3 inches across, borne early to mid summer.
* photo taken on June 10 2013 in Columbia, MD
subsp glauca
Reaches a maximum height of 1.5 feet, with red stems bearing foliage that is red tinted when young. The lightly fragrant, bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers are borne mid to late summer.
Highlight
Upright in habit, reaching up to 15 inches, with lightly fragrant, bright yellow borne all summer long.
Lapsley
Reaches a maximum size of 1.5 feet, with large, yellow flowers borne all summer long.
Summer Solstice
Reaches a maximum size of 2 x 4 feet, with foliage that turns bright red during summer, then to deep burgundy red during autumn.
The bright yellow flowers are borne from early summer to early autumn.
Yellow River
Reaches a maximum height of 1.5 feet, with green stems and yellow flowers, up to 3 inches across.
Oenothera hookerii ( Hookers Evening Primrose )
Oenothera howardii ( Bronze Evening Primrose )
A biennial, reaching up to 4 feet in height.
The hairy leaves are green.
The large, yellow flowers are borne all summer long.
Hardy zones 4 to 9
Oenothera kunthiana ( Kunch Sundrop )
A perennial, reaching up to 15 inches in height.
The foliage is deep green.
The pink or rarely white flowers open during the morning.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
Glowing Magnet
* photo taken on 2012 in Columbia, MD
Oenothera lamarckiana
A perennial, reaching a maximum height of 3 feet.
The yellow flowers are up to 4 inches across.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
Oenothera Lemon Drops
A low, spreading, rhizomatous, groundcover perennial, reaching up to 21 inches x 3 feet. The attractive foliage is deep green. The bright yellow flowers, up to 1 inch across, are borne all summer long. It does not set seed so it does not self seed or require deadheading. Hardy zones 5 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil. It is heat, drought and poor soil tolerant.
* photos taken on June 4 2012 in Columbia, MD
Oenothera macrocarpa ( Missouri Evening Primrose )
Also called Ozark Sundrops. A fast growing, long lived, deep rooted, mat-forming, prostrate, spreading perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 4 ( rarely over 1 ) feet, that is native to south central U.S. The Missouri Evening Primrose forms a massive underground tuber in order to preserve moisture during drought. It looks great cascading over retaining walls.
The narrow leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The showy, huge, bright yellow flowers, up to 6 ( rarely over 4 ) inches across, that open during the afternoon and close the next morning. The flowers are borne late spring to mid autumn.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun on deep, light, well drained soil. Very drought tolerant, it does tolerate clay if not waterlogged. Deer resistant and attracts butterflies.
* photos taken on Aug 1 2013 in Stratford, Ontario
Comanche Campfire
Reaches up to 16 inches x 2 feet, with silvery foliage and bright yellow flowers borne over a long season.
Hardy zones 4 to 9, it originated in western Oklahoma and is very heat tolerant.
supsp. incana
Reaches a maximum height of 8 inches, with silvery-gray foliage and large, golden-yellow flowers borne on red stems.
Silver Blade
A groundcover perennial, reaching only 5 inches in height, with silver-gray foliage.
Oenothera missouriensis ( Ozark Sundrops )
Also called Missouri Primrose. A fast growing, prostrate, mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 4 feet, that is native to the south central U.S. ( Kansas to Missouri; south to Texas ).
The narrow leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are deep green.
The pale yellow flowers, up to 6 inches across, are borne on short stems from late spring to mid autumn. The flowers open during the evening.
Hardy zones 3 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on very well drained soil. Extremely drought tolerant. Does not like extreme heat when combined with humidity and will actually do better in cooler summer maritime climates.
Oenothera perennis ( Dwarf Sundrops )
A fast growing to invasive, neat, tufted perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 feet x 32 inches.
The lance-shaped leaves are up to 2 inches in length.
The yellow, cup-shaped flowers, up to 1 inch across, are borne on leafy spikes during summer. The flowers open during the daytime.
Hardy zones 4 to 9
Oenothera pilosella ( Pilosella Sundrops )
A noninvasive perennial, reaching a maximum height of 28 inches, that is native to the central U.S.
The attractive mid-green foliage turns red during autumn.
The golden-yellow flowers are borne profusely during late spring then occasionally during summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.
Oenothera rosea
Reaches up to 1 foot with fragrant, soft pink flowers borne early summer to early autumn.
Oenothera speciosa ( Pink Sundrops )
A fast spreading to invasive, rhizomatous perennial, reaching a maximum height of 20 ( rarely over 10 ) inches, that is native to the south central U.S. from Kansas to Texas. It can be used as a groundcover on large sites and can even be mowed on occasion.
The mid-green foliage turns to deep red during autumn.
The white ( aging to deep pink ), cup-shaped flowers are borne late spring lasting into early autumn. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
The flowers are open during the daytime, unlike many related species that bloom during evening and night.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 in full sun to partial shade. It is easy to grow in hot summer regions and will even grow in dry partial shade with dense tree roots ( a good idea, it may be slightly less invasive there ). Very heat and drought tolerant, even thriving against south facing walls and in parking lot islands. Deer resistant.
Planting in containers will keep this plant contained.
Oenothera tetragona
A fast spreading to invasive perennial, reaching a maximum size of 5.5 x 5 ( rarely over 3 ) feet, that is native to eastern North America.
The leaves, up to 8 inches in length, are deep green. The foliage often turns to red by late summer.
The silky flowers, up to 2 inches across, are yelow. The flowers are open during the daytime.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.
var cinaeus
Foliage is bronze during spring. The large flowers are deep yellow.
var. fraseri
Blue-green foliage and large flowers, up to 2 inches across.
var riparia
Dwarf in habit, reaching up to 8 x 16 inches. Great for rock gardens.
Read More..
Perennials and biennials, that are mostly hardy zones 5 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on light sandy soil though soil tolerant.
Propagation is from seed, soft cuttings or division while dormant.
The young leaves of the Primrose can be eaten as a pot herb if boiled for 20 minutes in a change of water.
The abundant immature seed pods are edible and can be added to salads.
Oenothera acaulis
A dwarf, turfed perennial, reaching a maximum size of 8 inches x 2 feet, that is native to Chile.
The coarsely-toothed, Dandelion-shaped leaves are up to 8 inches in length.
The white ( fading to pink ), saucer-shaped flowers, up to 3.2 inches across, are borne all summer long. The flowers open during the evening.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.
Great for rock gardens.
Aurea
Yellow flowers
Oenothera African Sun
Forms a low, perennial carpet with rich green foliage and profuse golden-yellow flowers all summer long.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade.
Looks great cascading over walls.
Oenothera berlandieri ( Mexican Evening Primrose )
A fast growing, mat-forming perennial.
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil.
Very tolerant of drought and heat.
Siskiyou
Very fast growing, reaching a maximum size of 1 x 6 feet.
The fragrant, pink flowers, up to 3 inches across, are borne abundantly all summer long.
May be invasive on sites that are fertile.
* photos of unknown internet source
* photo taken on June 1 2010 in Columbia, MD
* photos taken on May 26 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 22 2013 in Columbia, MD
Woodside White
Fast growing, reaching a maximum size of 1 x 6 feet.
The fragrant, pure white ( with bright green throat ) flowers, up to 3 inches across, are borne all summer long. The flowers fade to pink as they age.
May be invasive on sites that are fertile.
Oenothera biennis ( Common Evening Primrose )
A biennial, reaching up to 6 feet in height, that is native to eastern North America.
The hairy leaves are mid-green.
The fragrant, pale yellow flowers open during the evening or cloudy days.
Oil from the seed contains gamma-linolenic acid which is an essential fatty acid which is considered to lower blood cholesterol.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun. Propagation is easy from seed and it often self seeds. Pest and disease resistant.
* photo taken on Aug 4 2013 in Bayfield, Ontario
* photo taken on Aug 25 2013 @ University of Maryland, College Park
Oenothera brevipes ( Desert Primrose )
Oenothera caespitosa ( Tufted Evening Primrose )
A rhizome spreading, tufted, evergreen perennial, reaching a maximum size of 10 inches x 2 feet, that is native to the southwest U.S.
The coarsely-toothed, narrow leaves are up to 6 inches in length.
The fragrant, white flowers, up to 4 inches across, are borne on short stems during the summer.
The flowers open during the evening.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun on light, sandy, dry soil. Hates winter wetness.
Oenothera californica ( California Evening Primrose )
Oenothera Cold Crick
A hybrid with Oenthera fruitcosa parentage. A fast growing, dense, clumping perennial, reaching 1 x 1.5 feet.
The deep green, narrow foliage turns to intense orange-red during autumn. The stems are reddish.
The very profuse, glowing bright yellow flowers on late spring to early summer. It usually blooms for 6 or more weeks and does not produce seed, therefore it is not invasive.
Hardy zones 5 to 8 in full sun on fertile, well drained soil. Deer resistant. Cut back by 1/2 after blooming. It can be propagated from cuttings or by division during early spring.
Oenothera fremontii
Hardy zones 4 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil.
Lemon Silver
Forms a low, spreading mat, reaching a maximum size of 8 inches x 2 feet.
The non-toothed, long, silvery foliage contrasts with large, pale yellow flowers, up to 3 + inches across, that are borne early summer to early autumn.
* photo taken on May 18 2013 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on Sep 26 2013 in Baltimore Co., MD
Shimmer
Reaches up to 10 x 15 inches, with very narrow, fine-textured, silvery-gray foliage.
The bright yellow flowers, up to 3 inches across, are borne late spring through summer.
* photo taken on 2012 in Columbia, MD
* photo taken on June 10 2013 in Columbia, MD
Oenothera fruticosa ( Common Sundrops )
A long-lived perennial, reaching a maximum size of 5.3 x 4 + ( rarely over 3 ) feet, that is native to North America. Spreads by underground roots to form large stands.
The narrow leaves, up to 4.5 inches in length, are deep green.
The yellow flowers, up to 2.3 inches across, are borne during late spring into summer and are open during the daytime only.
Hardy zones 2 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil.
It is very drought tolerant. Divide every 2 to 3 years to maintain vigor.
* photos taken on May 16 2011 in Washington, D.C.
* photos taken on June 6 2012 in Columbia, MD
Fireworks
Reaches a maximum size of 5.5 x 4 ( rarely over 3 ) feet, with red stems and yellow flowers, up to 3 inches across, borne early to mid summer.
* photo taken on June 10 2013 in Columbia, MD
subsp glauca
Reaches a maximum height of 1.5 feet, with red stems bearing foliage that is red tinted when young. The lightly fragrant, bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers are borne mid to late summer.
Highlight
Upright in habit, reaching up to 15 inches, with lightly fragrant, bright yellow borne all summer long.
Lapsley
Reaches a maximum size of 1.5 feet, with large, yellow flowers borne all summer long.
Summer Solstice
Reaches a maximum size of 2 x 4 feet, with foliage that turns bright red during summer, then to deep burgundy red during autumn.
The bright yellow flowers are borne from early summer to early autumn.
Yellow River
Reaches a maximum height of 1.5 feet, with green stems and yellow flowers, up to 3 inches across.
Oenothera hookerii ( Hookers Evening Primrose )
Oenothera howardii ( Bronze Evening Primrose )
A biennial, reaching up to 4 feet in height.
The hairy leaves are green.
The large, yellow flowers are borne all summer long.
Hardy zones 4 to 9
Oenothera kunthiana ( Kunch Sundrop )
A perennial, reaching up to 15 inches in height.
The foliage is deep green.
The pink or rarely white flowers open during the morning.
Hardy zones 6 to 9
Glowing Magnet
* photo taken on 2012 in Columbia, MD
Oenothera lamarckiana
A perennial, reaching a maximum height of 3 feet.
The yellow flowers are up to 4 inches across.
Hardy zones 4 to 8
Oenothera Lemon Drops
A low, spreading, rhizomatous, groundcover perennial, reaching up to 21 inches x 3 feet. The attractive foliage is deep green. The bright yellow flowers, up to 1 inch across, are borne all summer long. It does not set seed so it does not self seed or require deadheading. Hardy zones 5 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on well drained soil. It is heat, drought and poor soil tolerant.
* photos taken on June 4 2012 in Columbia, MD
Oenothera macrocarpa ( Missouri Evening Primrose )
Also called Ozark Sundrops. A fast growing, long lived, deep rooted, mat-forming, prostrate, spreading perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 4 ( rarely over 1 ) feet, that is native to south central U.S. The Missouri Evening Primrose forms a massive underground tuber in order to preserve moisture during drought. It looks great cascading over retaining walls.
The narrow leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are glossy deep green.
The showy, huge, bright yellow flowers, up to 6 ( rarely over 4 ) inches across, that open during the afternoon and close the next morning. The flowers are borne late spring to mid autumn.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun on deep, light, well drained soil. Very drought tolerant, it does tolerate clay if not waterlogged. Deer resistant and attracts butterflies.
* photos taken on Aug 1 2013 in Stratford, Ontario
Comanche Campfire
Reaches up to 16 inches x 2 feet, with silvery foliage and bright yellow flowers borne over a long season.
Hardy zones 4 to 9, it originated in western Oklahoma and is very heat tolerant.
supsp. incana
Reaches a maximum height of 8 inches, with silvery-gray foliage and large, golden-yellow flowers borne on red stems.
Silver Blade
A groundcover perennial, reaching only 5 inches in height, with silver-gray foliage.
Oenothera missouriensis ( Ozark Sundrops )
Also called Missouri Primrose. A fast growing, prostrate, mat-forming perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 x 4 feet, that is native to the south central U.S. ( Kansas to Missouri; south to Texas ).
The narrow leaves, up to 6 inches in length, are deep green.
The pale yellow flowers, up to 6 inches across, are borne on short stems from late spring to mid autumn. The flowers open during the evening.
Hardy zones 3 to 9 in full sun to partial shade on very well drained soil. Extremely drought tolerant. Does not like extreme heat when combined with humidity and will actually do better in cooler summer maritime climates.
Oenothera perennis ( Dwarf Sundrops )
A fast growing to invasive, neat, tufted perennial, reaching a maximum size of 2 feet x 32 inches.
The lance-shaped leaves are up to 2 inches in length.
The yellow, cup-shaped flowers, up to 1 inch across, are borne on leafy spikes during summer. The flowers open during the daytime.
Hardy zones 4 to 9
Oenothera pilosella ( Pilosella Sundrops )
A noninvasive perennial, reaching a maximum height of 28 inches, that is native to the central U.S.
The attractive mid-green foliage turns red during autumn.
The golden-yellow flowers are borne profusely during late spring then occasionally during summer.
Hardy zones 4 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.
Oenothera rosea
Reaches up to 1 foot with fragrant, soft pink flowers borne early summer to early autumn.
Oenothera speciosa ( Pink Sundrops )
A fast spreading to invasive, rhizomatous perennial, reaching a maximum height of 20 ( rarely over 10 ) inches, that is native to the south central U.S. from Kansas to Texas. It can be used as a groundcover on large sites and can even be mowed on occasion.
The mid-green foliage turns to deep red during autumn.
The white ( aging to deep pink ), cup-shaped flowers are borne late spring lasting into early autumn. The flowers attract hummingbirds and butterflies.
The flowers are open during the daytime, unlike many related species that bloom during evening and night.
Hardy zones 5 to 9 in full sun to partial shade. It is easy to grow in hot summer regions and will even grow in dry partial shade with dense tree roots ( a good idea, it may be slightly less invasive there ). Very heat and drought tolerant, even thriving against south facing walls and in parking lot islands. Deer resistant.
Planting in containers will keep this plant contained.
Oenothera tetragona
A fast spreading to invasive perennial, reaching a maximum size of 5.5 x 5 ( rarely over 3 ) feet, that is native to eastern North America.
The leaves, up to 8 inches in length, are deep green. The foliage often turns to red by late summer.
The silky flowers, up to 2 inches across, are yelow. The flowers are open during the daytime.
Hardy zones 3 to 8 in full sun to partial shade.
var cinaeus
Foliage is bronze during spring. The large flowers are deep yellow.
var. fraseri
Blue-green foliage and large flowers, up to 2 inches across.
var riparia
Dwarf in habit, reaching up to 8 x 16 inches. Great for rock gardens.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Long Island Peace Labyrinth and Memorial Garden
Sayville Peace Labyrinth & Memorial Garden
One of my favorite places to visit in my hometown of Sayville, Long Island, New York is a beautifully designed and laid out Peace Labyrinth and Memorial Garden which was constructed in 2003 as a memorial for the victims of September 11, 2001. The labyrinth and community gardens are located on the Common Ground in Gillette Park on Candee Avenue in the town of Sayville on the south shore of Long Island.
 |
| Sayville Peace Labyrinth Constructed 2003 |
 |
| Sayville Peace Labyrinth & Memorial Garden |
The gardens leading to the labyrinth were created through voluntary efforts, donations from community members, grants and support from the Town of Islip. They are maintained through the loving hands of Master Gardener Nancy Angermaier and community volunteers. The grounds of the Common Ground are especially lovely near the end of the summer when sprays of Rudbeckia (Black Eyed Susan), Echinacea (Coneflower), Sedum, Crape Myrtle, Butterfly Bush and Fountain Grasses grace the landscape.
 |
| Rudbeckia (Black Eyed Susan) and Ornamental Grasses |
 |
| Swallowtail Butterfly on Butterfly Bush |
A moment of peace and beauty...
 | ||||||
| The Pamela Raymond Performance Pavilion This pavilion was designed and constructed as a common ground for community members to gather and appreciate the arts. Residents of all ages gather here and enjoy the feeling of community and unity.
I cannot seem to get enough of this lovely tribute. It is a place I visit often and return to over and over again with loved ones to experience the warm and comforting feeling of a community that is truly joined by a garden.
I am pleased that am able to share this lovely place with my readers for its true beauty is not only in the gardens but in the hands that were used to create it. The plaque below says it all.
If you are ever in the Sayville area be sure to stop by to experience the Peace Labyrinth. The Labyrinth and gardens are open to the public and there are full moon walks available throughout May to October. Special memorial services are held on September 11th -weather permitting. The Common Ground Memorial Service |
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
WILLIAM GILPIN AND THE PICTURESQUE
An aesthetic revolution that occurred in Britain in the eighteenth century revolved around several main theories, but the most important theory that applied to landscape was that of “the Picturesque”, most often associated with the writings of William Gilpin. Originally an ordained minister in the Church of England, he began writing these popular treatises as a means to raise funds for his school.
The picturesque emphasized roughness over smoothness, boldness over elegance, and variety over uniformity. These concepts were initially influential in painting and then to landscape design. Gilpin’s defining ideas influenced friends such as Horace Walpole and the royal family, including King George. While the wealthy could afford to indulge themselves with the Grand Tour (the traditional travel of Europe undertaken by upper-class European society), appreciating and purchasing great paintings and ultimately contracting landscape designers such as Lancelot “Capability” Brown and Humphrey Repton, Gilpin was instrumental in influencing the rising upper-middle, the minor gentry and tradesmen. By leading tours through the countryside and publishing aquatint landscape prints he created an aristocratic taste level among the rest of the public.
anonymous engraving, Ackermans Repository of Arts, The Strand 1809
Edward Austen (Janes brother) on the Grand Tour
unknown creator, the Jane Austen trust
Lorrain: The Marriage of Isaac and Rebekah, 1660
Meanwhile, Jane Austin’s novels (Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, Mansfield Park, Northanger Abbey and Emma) used the picturesque as a backdrop. While a fan of her writings illuminated his concepts to a larger audience, although at time it has been suggested that she satirized him.
Throughout each of these novels the landscape holds a defining and center-stage role. Her heroines are brought up in well-established homes and were receptive to the matters and opinions of current taste. Her novels reflect the social and landscape history of England.
Her novels assimilate and promote the ideals of Gilpin, yet also satirize them. In one of Gilpin’s publications he provided instructions for the groupings of cows in a pasture – “to unite three and remove the fourth.” Many landscape painters followed suit. But, in Pride and Prejudice, one character refuses to join in a stroll with the teasing observation, "You are charmingly groupd, and...The picturesque would be spoilt by admitting a fourth."
William Gilpin illustrations of how to group cows
Bodelian Library
In Sense and Sensibility, one character is dismayed that another is apparently ignorant on picturesque theory and promptly instructs him… “ I shall call the hills steep, which ought to be bold; surfaces strange and uncouth, which ought to be irregular and rugged: and distant objects out of sight, which ought only to be indistinct through the sift medium of a hazy atmosphere. It unites beauty and utility – and I dare say it is a picturesque one too.” When Elinor Dashwood teases her sister about her passion for “dead leaves” she responds by reminding Elinor that it is her appreciation of the picturesque.
Humphrey Repton, General View of Longleat, Stapelton Collection
Thomas Cole (Hudson River School), The Garden of Eden 1828
wikimedia commons
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)