Emily Dickinson, the poet, has delighted and exasperated generations of students and scholars, but Dickinson, the gardener, was relatively unknown until recently.

This week, I found Emily Dickinson’s Gardens: A celebration of a poet and gardener in the new books’ section of my local library. I immediately checked the index to see if roses were mentioned. I read these sections first then began to read from the beginning. I must admit that I found the biographical and gardening bits more interesting than the poetry. My favorite quote from the book fits this post: “A gardener who reads never gardens alone.”

Marta McDowell’s understated but elegantly illustrated book follows the seasons in the life of the poet and her garden. It’s a wonderful compilation of bits of verse, excerpts from letters, biography, gardening tips, and vintage images. It’s one of those rare books that can be a quick read or an inspiration for reflection.

Dickinson’s Roses

Dickinson retreated from the world but not from her garden. McDowell lists some of the poet’s roses:

  • Damask Rose - Rosa Damascena
  • Greville Rose - Rosa multiflora grevillei
  • Hedgehog Rose - Rosa rugosa rubra
  • Blush Rose - Rosa “Old Blush”
  • Cinnamon Rose - Rosa cinnamomea or Rosa majalis
  • Calico Rose - Rosa gallica “Versicolor”
  • Sweetbrier Rose - Rosa eglanteria

These roses managed to thrive in Amherst in the mid 1800s and could fit many gardens today. If you want to try growing similar roses, the book’s resource section suggests visiting the Antique Rose Emporium. The store’s website is a great source for old garden and antique roses and the detailed reference chart is worth bookmarking.

This is a great book for summer reading and a good choice for any poetry or gardening enthusiasts on your gift list.

Emily Dickinson’s Gardens: A celebration of a poet and gardener
Marta McDowell
McGraw-Hill, 2004
Available from Amazon

If you find yourself near Amherst, the Emily Dickinson Museum offers guided tours of Homestead (her home) and The Evergreens (her brother’s home) from March to mid-December.