Just as Claude Monet transformed the art world by infusing paintings with color and light, he transformed garden design as well. Monet created a unique garden style with blended flower beds and mixed colors. He experimented with living color using gradual transition of hues. Just like his paintings, he minimized “hard edges”. His gardens were defined by multiple layers which enveloped the visitor.

The placement of every flower, plant and structure was deliberately pondered. He designed beautiful vistas waiting to be painted. Never before had an artist so shaped his subjects in nature before painting them; thus creating his works twice.

Gardeners Connect welcomes, Gale McRoberts, who will present “The Art of Gardening Monet Style,” at 10 a.m. on April 8, 2023 as a part of Free Speaker Series program. The program is free, open to the public and no reservations are required to attend.

The program will be held in the Carmack Community Room at the Johnson County Central Resource Library located at 9875 W 87th St, Overland Park, KS 66212.

Since 2010, Gale has worked in the Monet Garden at the Overland Park Arboretum. She serves as a bed captain of the South Walk section of the garden. As a bed captain, she is responsible for the planning and ordering of plants, the planting and weekly maintenance of the garden as well as the collaboration with fellow bed captains and the coordination of volunteers working in her section.

As an artist, her interest in Monet aligns with both his works of art as well as his famous garden in France. She has conducted historical research on Claude Monet to prepare this presentation which provides insight into how Claude Monet used color and design elements to create a unique gardening style. She will be taking us on a tour of both the Garden in Giverny, France, and our award-winning Monet Garden right here in Overland Park.

Gale has been a lifelong gardener. After raising her family, she entered the Johnson County Extension Master Gardening Program and works with its speakers bureau.