A Canadian Gardening Icon
Marjorie Harris stands as one of Canada’s most influential and respected voices in the world of gardening. For decades, her work has guided countless enthusiasts, transforming the way Canadians approach their own green spaces.
Her journey from a celebrated journalist to a leading gardening authority is a story of passion and dedication. Harris has authored over fifteen books, penned countless columns, and shared her wisdom through various media, establishing a legacy built on practicality and a deep respect for nature.
From a Nomadic Childhood to a Passion for Words
Born in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, in 1937, Marjorie Harris’s early life was marked by frequent moves across Canada. Her father, a Baptist minister, led the family through a series of relocations, a lifestyle that shaped her adaptable and observant nature.
This journey eventually led her to McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. There, she pursued her love for language, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in English in 1959, laying the foundation for a distinguished writing career.
A New Chapter: From Journalism to the Garden
Harris first made her name as a sharp and insightful freelance journalist. She contributed to some of Canada’s most prominent publications, including Maclean’s, Chatelaine, and the Toronto Star, covering a wide range of topics from design to feminism.
A pivotal shift occurred in 1988 when she decided to merge her writing talent with a burgeoning passion for horticulture. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, one that would see her become a leading authority on Canadian gardening.
Cultivating a Literary Legacy
In 1990, Harris published The Canadian Gardener, a groundbreaking book that cemented her reputation. She traveled across the country, gathering wisdom from local gardeners to create a resource that was truly Canadian.
This was followed by a prolific output of more than a dozen other books, each one offering practical, zone-specific advice. As the editor-in-chief of Gardening Life and a long-time columnist for The Globe and Mail, her influence has been both broad and profound.
The Philosophy of an Ecological Gardener
At the core of Marjorie Harris’s work is a deep commitment to ecological and sustainable gardening. She champions the use of native plants, encouraging gardeners to create balanced ecosystems rather than just pretty displays.
Her own Toronto garden serves as a living testament to this philosophy. She famously divided her long, narrow plot into three distinct garden rooms. This approach, based on varying light conditions, demonstrates her belief that a garden should be a series of intimate, harmonious spaces.
Her design sense, honed by years working in an art gallery, is evident in her focus on foliage, texture, and form over fleeting blooms. She views plants as living sculptures, creating a garden that evolves with a sense of permanence and grace.
A Living Laboratory in Toronto
For over four decades, Harris has cultivated the same 19-by-136-foot plot in midtown Toronto. This garden is more than just a personal oasis; it is a living laboratory where she has tested theories, nurtured countless plants, and faced the unique challenges of urban gardening.
From dealing with a recurring floodplain to adapting to the city’s microclimate, her hands-on experience provides a foundation of practical wisdom. She is a firm believer in working with nature, not against it, advocating for solutions like composting, mulching, and thoughtful water management.
Her garden is also a sanctuary for wildlife. By selecting appropriate native plants and providing water, she has created a vibrant habitat for birds and insects, embodying her principle that gardeners are stewards of their small patch of the planet.
A Voice Across Canadian Media
Marjorie Harris has shared her expertise far beyond the printed page. She became a familiar voice to many Canadians as the Urban Gardener on CBC Radio’s Metro Morning and as a regular guest on Peter Gzowski’s popular program, This Country in the Morning.
Embracing modern platforms, she has also created videos and maintained a blog, making her timeless advice accessible to a new generation of gardeners. Through her work as a consultant, she offers personalized guidance, helping others realize the potential of their own gardens.
A Legacy of Stewardship
The impact of Marjorie Harris on Canadian gardening is immeasurable. She has inspired a generation to view their gardens not just as decorative spaces, but as vital ecosystems that contribute to a healthier planet.
Her extensive archives, housed at McMaster University, preserve a lifetime of research and writing, ensuring her knowledge will continue to educate for years to come. Her message of environmental stewardship and thoughtful cultivation remains as relevant as ever.
An Enduring Inspiration
Marjorie Harris’s career is a testament to the power of following a passion. She has taught us that a garden is a place of endless learning, a source of profound connection to the natural world, and a space where we can make a tangible difference.
Her practical, no-nonsense approach, combined with a deep philosophical respect for nature, continues to inspire gardeners across Canada and beyond. She remains a guiding light, encouraging us all to get our hands dirty and leave the world a little greener than we found it.
