Jane Austen

Today is the anniversary of the death of the author and gardener Jane Austen.

Austen loved gardens. She had a heart for ornamentals, herbs, and kitchen gardening. And, her family always had a garden - growing their food and beautifying their homes with flowers.
In every one of her books, Austen included gardens.
We know from Austen's letters to her sister Cassandra that gardens brought her joy, and they were also regulating.
In 1807, she wrote about the redesign of her garden:

"I could not do without a syringa... We talk also of a laburnum. The border under the terrace wall is clearing away to receive currants and gooseberry bushes, and a spot is found very proper for raspberries."

In 1814, she wrote about the garden outside her rented room,

"The garden is quite a love... I live in the room downstairs; it is particularly pleasant...opening upon the garden. I go and refresh myself every now and then, and then come back to Solitary Coolness."