The Gardening Life of Beatrix Potter

Beatrix Potter was an intrepid gardener, savvy landowner, sheep breeder, and conservationist, ultimately leaving thousands of pristine acres to the National Trust. Highly esteemed author, educator and lecturer Marta McDowell explores the origins of Potter’s love of gardening and shares how this passion came to be reflected in her beloved, classic children’s tales. Click on the photo at right to view Marta’s presentation:

Marta McDowell lives, writes and gardens in Chatham, New Jersey. She shares her garden with her husband, Kirke Bent, their crested cockatiel, Sydney, and assorted wildlife. Her writing has appeared in popular publications such as Woman’s Day, Country Gardening and The New York Times. Scholars and specialists have read her essays on American authors and their horticultural interests in the journals Hortus and Arnoldia. Her particular interest is in authors and their gardens, the connection between the pen and the trowel.