She Had The Courage To Succeed - Garden Designer Ellen Biddle Shipman

Ellen Biddle Shipman (1869-1950) designed over 600 gardens for some of the most influential people of her day. Her gardens were labor intensive and filled to the rim with bulbs, perennials, and annual flowers.
Ellen Shipman can teach us a lot about garden design, but her story of how she started her career is what inspires me most. To me, Shipman represents the ability to move forward and face your fears.
If you are interested in studying the garden plans of Ellen Biddle Shipman, you can find tons of information in the Cornell University archives.
digital.library.cornell.edu/c...
Photo credits for the images used in this video
Ellen Shipman with her children at Brook Place, Plainfield, NH, c. 1910. Nancy Angell Streeter Family Collection.
lalh.org/support/impact/
Chatham garden photo
www.loc.gov/pictures/collecti...
Gertrude Sieberling portrait
seiberlingvisualhistory.org/P...
F.A. Sieberling portrait
seiberlingvisualhistory.org/P...
Ellen Shipman Photography Collection
gardens.si.edu/collections/ex...
Hamilton Farms Tea House that looks exactly like the one at Fairlane
edan.si.edu/slideshow/viewer/...
Ellen Shipman sitting at her desk Cornell University Archives
digital.library.cornell.edu/c...
Photo of the front of the house from Library of Congress
www.loc.gov/resource/hhh.oh01...
Photo of the west back of the house Library of Congress
www.loc.gov/resource/hhh.oh01...
Long view of the grounds at Stan Hywet
www.loc.gov/resource/hhh.oh01...
Thanks for watching.
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[@gracepeterson7483]

I completely concur with Ms. Shipman's belief that the most important element of a garden design is privacy. A woman ahead of her time.

[@GardenMoxie]

I agree with her too. I think having a secluded garden is perfection.

[@ScottIsMyName]

Your channel is one of the most mellow, educational, chill gardening channels I've subscribed to. I appreciate the variety and scope you cover.

[@GardenMoxie]

I appreciate that! Thank you for being here.

[@catacombcatholic5571]

She had courage to step through her fears. What a great woman to emulate! Her garden designs are beautiful and architectural. Thank you for your fine research!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much. It was fun to read through the archives. I love being able to look at the old photographs and try to imagine what things were like "back in the day".

[@jenniferhooks2454]

I was not familiar with Ellen Biddle Shipman. I am very impressed by the fact that she designed gardens for such well known and wealthy people. The gardens themselves are works of art. That she made a career for herself in the time period that she did is remarkable. Thank you for sharing some of het story.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank so visiting. It's amazing what she accomplished in my opinion. I'm certain it wasn't all glamorous. It must have been a challenge and clearly, she met that challenge. Very inspiring.

[@vickimaiorano5763]

How interesting. And what beautiful gardens she created. Privacy really is important to feel comfortable in your own garden.

[@GardenMoxie]

It was so interesting to study her plans in the Cornell archives. I can't get over how many plants she used. I have to agree that privacy is the key element for a garden too.

[@keylongo2470]

🇺🇸. Thanks ever so much. The beauty of God is in the garden. and the loveliness of of God’s creation is in the hands of a Gardener.🇺🇸

[@GardenMoxie]

You are so right! Thanks for watching.

[@heathermacdonald6404]

An inspirational lady! We're Canadians but we love, love, love to hear of gardens to visit in the USA. So many talented gardeners in your beautiful country. Thanks for the ideas for future destinations.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much and hello! I am glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.

[@PeggyMills]

Beautifully told! She was certainly an impressive lady.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for visiting. I think she was impressive too.

[@Orientalbackyardgarden]

Beautiful episode, fully watched with great interest ❤❤❤

[@GardenMoxie]

Hey thanks so much. I am glad you liked the video.

[@w.l.kampsen7461]

As a young man, over fifty years ago, I visited the Ford Fairlane gardens and home. The effect it had on me was profound. I was determined that one day when life became more settled that I would have a garden of my own. I have that garden today and have never been happier. As for privacy, I think it could be argued that it is the mother of enchantment. All enchanting places have a sense of seclusion, almost cloistered feel. I suppose this may be one the reasons people draw near to God in these lovely spaces...

[@GardenMoxie]

You are so right. Thanks for sharing your outlook on gardening. I always enjoy visiting Fairlane Estate too. I volunteer in the garden there at times which is pretty amazing.

[@sippa5]

Oh I totally agree! I'm now in my mid 70's and am looking for a modest place that I can create that enclosed garden area, but still have a veggie garden. I totally believe that when we keep pushing ourselves to do enjoyable work and creating things it adds tremendously to life. Now I want to learn to also take time off to enjoy a quiet space in God's creation. And maybe even be still enough to start reading books!

[@JoAnnBlondin]

The Secret Garden book immediately came to mind when you showed that garden entrance so laughed when you mentioned it. What a lasting legacy she left of gardens and lessons of thriving when required.

[@GardenMoxie]

That entrance is exactly what I imagined when I read that book. Such a great garden. It is amazing what she achieved.

[@SpanishEclectic]

This is wonderful! So glad to learn of another female garden designer. Her work has such great balance and serenity We cannot all have that level of privacy in suburban, or urban gardens, but many of her concepts will still work on a smaller scale. Thank you for including the links. Here in California (San Diego) we had horticulturist Kate Sessions, who owned a nursery, and is known as the "Mother of Balboa Park". She was responsible for planting thousands of trees, including eucalyptus, imported from Australia. A great legacy carried on to the present day by women like Bunny Guinness in England; she is the niece of rose specialist David Austin, and worked with Prince (at the time) Charles on his gardens at Highgrove. It's so lovely to share these stories with other garden lovers. :)

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for your note. I am going to look up Kate Sessions for sure. I appreciate you leaving that information. I love learning about new gardeners (at least new to me). Take care.

[@quick9smitty511]

Love the comment about Privacy being a key element of a garden. Have never heard that before, but it is so very true. thank you for pointing that out!

[@GardenMoxie]

I thought that was a great design rule too.

[@kimberlyhughes9826]

Beautiful, inspiring story! Thank you.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching.

[@judymunns1074]

I just love learning from your fabulous research. So interesting and definitely encourages me to do more investigating myself. Really enjoying your channel as I begin my garden adventure (just 3 years in).

[@GardenMoxie]

I love history so it is great being able to research the archives. Thanks for your note.

[@angelacross2216]

I love her designs. I find tight, formal, hardscapes and hedging, combined with soft plantings to be very appealing.

[@GardenMoxie]

I totally agree! Thanks for watching.

[@susandenniscook9271]

Truly amazing design work. Thanks for bringing her work and her story back to life.

[@GardenMoxie]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@deirdredear]

Such an industrious woman.

[@GardenMoxie]

I know. So inspiring.

[@mittenhomestead]

❤ I can't wait to view her plans. Thank you again. 😊

[@GardenMoxie]

You are so welcome!

[@beverlybartholomew4958]

We were just at Stan Hywet last Friday for a wine event and the gardens were beautiful. Christmas time is special as well. Thank you for sharing.

[@GardenMoxie]

A wine event sounds awesome. It is such a beautiful place.

[@suzetteccc]

I love formal gardens, so this was a treat!

[@GardenMoxie]

I'm so glad you liked the video. Thanks for watching.

[@indie8189]

Absolutely love your storytelling, very inspiring.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much.

[@bernadette1510]

Another gem! Thank you for wonderful episode! Such beautiful gardens, indeed “Secret Gardens.” Thank you for teaching with each episode. And just a note about the last video. I gasped as I watched you chopping down the arborvitae. 😮 🙈

[@GardenMoxie]

Hi Bernadette, Thanks for watching. Cutting those arborvitae was not easy. As you saw, they got a bit too huge and I couldn't move them myself. I think I am just going to replace them with new, smaller arborvitaes. Isn't that walled English garden amazing? I would never leave it if that was my house..ha ha.

[@bernadette1510]

@@GardenMoxie I can only imagine, that was not a small undertaking!!! But you, I sense, do not lack determination 😉 👍. And just so you know, You have no reason to leave your house right now. Your garden looks just like the Secret garden she created. Your garden “speaks” come and rest and I’ll deliver you of all your troubles! I always look forward to your videos! ❤️❤️❤️

[@GardenMoxie]

@@bernadette1510 Ahhh...thanks Bernadette.

[@deborahvoll3497]

wow, I love these videos! Come out west and explore the works of these two women: Lord and Schryver!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for the suggestions. I love to learn about new gardeners. I will definitely google them.

[@jenmazz1257]

Such a great story. Her talent and style was incredible. Thank you for sharing. Love the channel. ❤🇨🇦🌸

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you so much!

[@justinedevoe4444]

This was fabulous! Thank you for creating this content and sharing such lovely history!

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching. I am glad you liked the video.

[@tammyhoffman124]

I dream of having the funds the time and the “ok” from my partner for so much more in my gardens. 😢 your videos are so calming.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching the video. It is a beautiful space there in Akron, Ohio.

[@anusahota7368]

Thank you for this - what an inspirational woman. I love your videos- u make me feel calmer somehow 😊

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you.

[@yogi2436]

here is my takeaway from this excellent video: PRIVACY IS THE MOST ESSENTIAL ATTRIBUTE OF ANY GARDEN.... structures, mass plantings, change in levels, rounded steps, the biggest surprises in life is in finding out you can do what you believed you couldn't do

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@marthafuentes2743]

Beautiful garden

[@Blake.Cooper]

Another GREAT garden lesson!! You really do a wonderful job with these narrated videos.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you kindly!

[@brittanym.4557]

WOW 👌🏼 I love the history lesson! ❤

[@GardenMoxie]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@karenjohnson8177]

Fascinating and inspiring! Thank you.

[@GardenMoxie]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wendymontie5660]

Wonderful! What an impressive resume!

[@GardenMoxie]

It is amazing what Ms. Shipman accomplished, isn't it? Thanks for watching.

[@jasminelouisefarrall]

Beautiful designs 🍃🌸🍃

[@GardenMoxie]

Hi Jasmine. Thanks for checking out the video.

[@Bandaid17]

Thank you for taking the time to share this delightful insight into Shipman’s’ life and work. I intend to use your resources to learn more. I can grow mostly everything I want, of course with some losses, but fail miserably at landscaping and can use all the help I can get. I am regrettably a “onesie” person LOL.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching the video. I'm glad you liked it.

[@thegonzalezs4953]

Very nice video , and interesting. I always learn something new in your channel . Like I have mentioned before , English gardens are my favorites. I think I will have to make a trip to Akron Ohio 😊

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks a lot. You will love the walled garden at Stan Hywet. It's worth the visit for sure.

[@candma4240]

I completely enjoyed this video. I love learning about interesting people in history. Her ability to rise above the challenges she was presented with is an inspiration. It was fun seeing Stan Hewett gardens in the video as well, as it is near my hometown. I would love to make a secret garden on our property someday. Fences are not allowed by our hoa, so I will have to get creative. Your channel is always an inspiration and so calming. 💙

[@GardenMoxie]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for your words of encouragement. I think Ellen Biddle Shipman is inspiring too.

[@julie5368]

❤ thank you for more inspiration.

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you for watching.

[@marshadevaughn886]

Beautiful, wonderful, such interesting research! I just found you but subscribed and will be following along…❤️💛💜

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks so much for being here. I am glad you liked the video.

[@thabomonareng6275]

It's true never be afraid

[@GardenMoxie]

Not always easy, but definitely a requirement, right?

[@danapowers4367]

Love your fascinating research, what an amazing story! I'd love to get over my fear of starting a boxwood hedge wall!

[@GardenMoxie]

I'm glad to hear you liked the video. Thanks for watching.

[@gardenextra7415]

❤

[@user-si1gv8gb7t]

❤❤❤

[@beverlybenson9981]

I live close to Stan Hywet. It's a beautiful estate. The last name is spelled Seiberling. Pronounced "SY-berling."

[@GardenMoxie]

Thank you.

[@pansepot1490]

I can see many cases where privacy is the key element of a garden but by no means it’s a generally valid rule. Just think of front gardens, which are meant to complement and enhance the facade of the house, not hide it from view. Or public gardens, which can fulfill a variety of purposes but are hardly about privacy. On the contrary afaik designers try to avoid the creation of secluded spots for safety reasons. Which reminds me of a neighbor who was a little paranoid and got rid of all hedges and bushes in his plot leaving only the lawn and tall trees with clean trunks. Apparently he feared being assaulted by burglars hiding behind the vegetation and so he wanted an unhindered view of the surroundings. A garden designed for privacy would have drove him mad. 😅

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for sharing your insights. All great points.

[@amarilysflores8602]

I am captivated by the way that you present all these historical facts about the garden designers of the past! I am in a kerfufle myself. I am just learning to garden and of course my garden looks like a battle ground and not a beautiful serene place. Nevertheless, I am learning, but oh, it is so painful because I have no gardening background at all! I started a veggie patch with 9 raised beds in the back last year, what a disaster! and now I have discovered that my roses in the front are being munched by deer every so often. I figured that I will need to move them this autumn, but I have no idea on how to add them to my backyard which is fenced in and that would save them from those marauders. Do you give consultations or like Mrs. Biddle Shipman said, by mail?

[@Bandaid17]

You can find a wealth of information at your local extension office. Each county in the US has one and their information is free. I don’t know what state you are in but google …county Extension office and it will lead you to it and the Land Grant College it is affiliated with. You can call with questions about plants and sometimes they offer free lectures on line. They have been my go to for all things gardening. They wont however design a garden for you but give you all the tool so that you can help you design one.

[@GardenMoxie]

I am glad you liked the video. I see @vikkic42 left the suggestion to contact your extension office. That is exactly what I would do. The thing that is great about that is they are in your exact gardening zone and know all the issues. I took the Master Gardener training and it was so helpful and fun to meet like minded gardeners.

[@Bandaid17]

Yeah for MG's I am one in NE PA @@GardenMoxie

[@vickivance4614]

Women power!! ❤

[@GardenMoxie]

Indeed!

[@margaretmaguire3329]

👍🌺😀

[@GardenMoxie]

Thanks for watching.

[@dawndawn6946]

Interesting. Was she a trained/schooled designer? Not that it matters, but goodness!

[@GardenMoxie]

I am not certain of her formal education, but I find it remarkable of what she accomplished. Especially during the time she accomplished it.

[@dawndawn6946]

Such an amazing story!@@GardenMoxie

[@Angie-ci1lp]

Survivor

[@GardenMoxie]

I agree. It is pretty amazing what she did...especially under the circumstance.

[@martihurford]

I love collecting reading, and finding inspiration in gardening books. I found (and put in an offer) on eBay the book you referenced here. Thanks for putting this video together. 🫶

[@GardenMoxie]

I am a huge fan of gardening books too. I hope you enjoy the book. I love it!