Montague Free

Trained at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, he built his career as a professional gardener before becoming widely known in the United States. Sources consistently describe him as a British horticulturist who worked at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and later wrote extensively for home gardeners.

He is especially associated with Brooklyn Botanic Garden, where he contributed to its public-facing gardening work and wrote about subjects such as rock gardens and roses. Later, he continued sharing advice through magazines including The Home Garden and The Flower Grower, helping make gardening feel practical and inviting rather than intimidating.

His books covered a wide range of topics, from houseplants and African violets to perennial gardens and general gardening guides. That mix of hands-on experience and easy-to-follow instruction is a big part of why his work still appeals to readers looking for useful, down-to-earth garden wisdom.