Undocumented Pioneers: A History of Women and Gardens

Today, women outnumber men in landscape architecture and related fields. But for centuries, male historians overlooked women's important contributions to horticulture.

We will re-examine the pioneering women gardeners who created grand estates, public parks and municipal landscapes from the 17th century to the modern era, going beyond the better-known gardens designed by Jekyll and Lindsay, to consider the many fine houses and estates created by women who are less well known today.

Turning to the modern era, we will explore contemporary women garden designers and their influential presence at exhibitions and shows such as those at Chelsea and Hampton Court, as well as European innovation seen through the Chaumont International Festival of Gardens and Jardins Jardins in Paris, the German Landesgartenschau and the development of American urban parks and spaces.

Learning and teaching

The module will be delivered as ten 2 hour sessions. Sessions will consist of a 1-hour lecture, followed by class discussion and group work on specific topics relating to the module.

The discussion and group work will enable students to think critically and contribute to the debates and topics presented during the lectures.

Topics will include:

• Gender in the world of garden design.
• Pioneering women gardeners from the 17^th century to the present day.
• The gardens they have created.
• Women garden designers and their role at contemporary shows and exhibitions.

British, European and American trends in garden design

Coursework and assessment

Formative assessment / feedback will occur on a weekly basis through class discussion and group work.

Essay: 100% - Exact nature of task will vary from year to year. 2000 words. End of course.

Reading suggestions

• Anderton, Stephen, Lives of the Great Gardeners (Thames and Hudson, 2016)
• Buchan, Ursula, Garden People: Valerie Finnis & The Golden Age of Gardening (Thames and Hudson, 2007)
• Horwood, Catherine, Gardening Women: Their Stories From 1600 to the Present (Virago, 2010)
• Klein, Carol, Hortobiography (Witness Books, 2024)
• Summerley, Victoria, Secret Gardeners (Frances Lincoln, 2017)

Library and computing facilities

As a student on this course you are entitled to join and use the University’s library and computing facilities. Find out more about using these facilities.

Accessibility

Our aim is access for all. We aim to provide a confidential advice and support service for any student with a long term medical condition, disability or specific learning difficulty. We are able to offer one-to-one advice about disability, pre-enrolment visits, liaison with tutors and co-ordinating lecturers, material in alternative formats, arrangements for accessible courses, assessment arrangements, loan equipment and dyslexia screening.