Frances Perry (1907–1993)

Frances Perry, née Everett, was born in Enfield, England, on the outskirts of north London, where she lived most of her life. She was educated at Enfield County School and Swanley Horticultural College (now Wye College, part of the University of London).
Her love of plants was encouraged by a
famous neighbor, Edward Augustus Bowles, vice-chairman of the Council of The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). In 1927, on his recommendation, she went to work at Amos Perry's Hardy Plant Farm. In a short time, she was managing the aquatic plant department and helping create exhibits for the annual Chelsea Flower Show. In 1930, she married Perry's son Gerald, a fern specialist, with whom she had two children. She became an expert on hardy water perennials and is known particularly for her writings about them.

From 1943 to 1953, she was horticultural adviser to Middlesex County Council and later principal organizer for agricultural and horticultural education in Middlesex. In 1953 she was appointed Principal of Norwood Hall College for adult education, a position she held until 1967.

In 1966, she became a gardening writer for The Observer, taking over from Vita Sackville-West. She was named the first woman council member of the RHS in 1968, and became a vice-president of the Society in 1978.

She also was a contributor to the BBC Radio program Home Grown, and was one of the first television gardening personalities.
In addition, over her long career, Mrs. Perry wrote nearly 20 books.