As they loved their gardens

Frida Kahlo (1907–1954) was an iconic artist, known for her self-portraits and her unique style, where surrealism, realism, and Mexican folk art converge. A severe accident at the age of 18 changed her life, and art became her way to express pain, identity, and love. Her paintings are deeply personal, marked by strong symbolism, vibrant elements, and references to Mexico's cultural heritage. She was married to the muralist Diego Rivera, and their relationship was both passionate and turbulent. As a political activist, she wove her beliefs into her art, adding another layer of meaning to her work.

Frida had a deep love for nature, and her home, La Casa Azul, was surrounded by a lush garden filled with exotic plants and flowers. The garden was a place of inspiration and renewal, reflected in her art and her iconic style, often adorned with large flowers in her hair. Though she did not receive the recognition she deserved during her lifetime, she is now seen as a feminist icon and a symbol of resilience and creativity. Her art continues to touch and inspire people around the world.

Karin Larsson (1859–1928) was a pioneering Swedish artist and designer, whose home in Sundborn became an icon of Swedish design. Her garden at Lilla Hyttnäs was an extension of her artistic vision—a harmonious blend of color, form, and function, where flowers, fruit trees, and kitchen plants surrounded the family’s life.

The garden reflected the bold aesthetics of her textiles and furniture, with vibrant flower beds and natural materials creating a living whole. She was a forerunner in sustainability and self-sufficiency, advocating for a lifestyle where the simple, functional, and beautiful came together. Her design and garden philosophy live on today as a source of inspiration for both interior design and gardening.

May Morris (1862–1938) was a prominent British textile artist and a key figure in the Arts and Crafts movement. As the daughter of William Morris, she led the embroidery department at Morris & Co. at the age of 23 and was a pioneer in elevating embroidery to a recognized art form. Her work was characterized by harmonious colors, elegant details, and nature-inspired motifs, with flowers and foliage often appearing in her designs. She was also a dedicated advocate for female artists and taught textile art.

May spent much of her life at Kelmscott Manor, where the surrounding garden was an important source of inspiration. The flourishing garden, with its wild yet carefully planned vegetation, mirrored her artistic philosophy of blending nature and craftsmanship. Here, she found both creativity and solace, and the colors and forms of the garden were constantly reflected in her textile designs.

Karen Blixen (1885–1962), also known as Isak Dinesen, was one of the most prominent storytellers of the 20th century. Her time in Kenya, where she ran a coffee plantation, inspired her most famous work, Out of Africa (1937). The beauty of nature and her deep connection to the landscape shaped both her life and her writing.

After returning to Denmark, her home, Rungstedlund, became a place for reflection and creation. The garden there was an extension of her artistic expression—a harmonious place where she arranged flowers with the same care as she wrote her stories. Today, the garden is preserved as a living reminder of her aesthetic sense and love for nature.