Obituary: Rosemary Verey: Gardener whose energy and imagination brought horticulture to life for millions

[Rosemary Verey], who has died aged 82, was the doyenne of the gardening world. A pioneer gardener, designer and writer, she made \"good\" gardening popular, and by her example - both in the aesthetic and practical horticulture so admired at her home at Barnsley House, Gloucestershire, and through her serious, but highly readable, books - she also made it achievable by a whole new generation. Having established the bones of the garden, Verey's infilling planting became a work of genius, softening any tendency towards excessive formality, concentrating on tapestry effects of colour and scent. There is nothing labour-saving about it; rather, it displays a passion for beauty and a love of plants, which is reflected in her book, Rosemary Verey's Making Of A Garden (1995). Verey was also an inspiring teacher. Critical, demanding - and often intimidating - to her many students, she became their mentor, influ encing and guiding young designers, horticulturists and writers, many of whom have since achieved their own recognition, thanks to her exacting standards. Although so rigorous in her teaching, she encouraged lasting admiration and friendship, a reflection of her integrity and joyful sense of humour.