Garden Writer Allen Lacy, 1935 – 2015
Allen Lacy died this past Sunday at the age of 80. He was my favorite garden writer: funny, smart, gentle, possessing a passion for plants and an affection for people. I’ve read his book Home Ground several times.
I was lucky enough to interview Allen Lacy back in 2013. This seemed like a good time to reblog that post.
The interview below was posted in June, 2013. I was surprised and honored to see it referenced in Mr. Lacy’s New York Times obituary, but I think it may have been one of the last interviews given by the author.
I became acquainted with Mr. Lacy online after he wrote mea friendly note in response to a book review I had written. After this interview, we exchanged a few more emails and then lost touch.
Allen Lacy is without doubt one of my favorite garden writers. For roughly forty years he has written about plants and gardens with passion, knowledge, and gentle (often self-mocking) humor. He is the author or editor of 10 books, including Home Ground, In a Green Shade, The Garden in Autumn, Farther Afield, and The Gardener’s Eye. For a dozen years he wrote a newspaper column on gardening…
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gardeninacity 
Happy New Year Jason. I hope your year is filled with new and healthy plants.
Thank you, Donna. The same to you, along with good health.
He was also my favorite garden writer. I met him once when he came to Seattle. I’m sad that he has passed away.
Nice that you were able to meet him in person. I only communicated with him through email.
I owned The Garden in Autumn and did enjoy his books immensely.
I got that one from the library but I do own several of his other books.
Wonderful interview! He seems a like wonderful person. I love that gardening was his school punishment rather than something else less effective. Check out my Garden Love column. 🙂
I did – great post!
Very happy New Year, Jason!
Same to you, Nadezda!
Well done, what a great interview. I have his book The Garden in Autumn which I like very much. What an interesting man.
Good writer and a good person.
Thanks for sharing this Jason. I was especially interested that he mentioned NC connections. Will have to look up his books. Happy New Year.
Yes, he definitely had those NC connections – Duke, PDN, JC Raulson, and NCSU, among others.
I’m sorry to hear this, Jason. But I want to thank you for that 2013 interview; it inspired me to read some of Allen Lacy’s work, which added greatly to both my garden education and my pleasure. .
Glad that you’ve enjoyed his work, Jean.
I’m sorry to read your post but glad to be aquatinted via your original post. I had not heard of Allen Lacy before, he sounded a very fine man and gardener. Happy New Year to you and yours.
Same to you, Julie.
Sorry to hear about Allen Lacey. I haven’t read all of his books but this makes me think I should. A nice goal for the new year. Happy New Year!
Reading the rest of his books would make a very pleasant project. Happy New Year to you as well, Lisa!
An interesting interview. Allen Lacy, whose name I knew but had not read, sounded like a wise and funny man. Wouldn’t it be great if more children were “punished” as creatively? We might have more gardeners.
Certainly. And fewer angry children.
Good reblog, and I enjoyed reading it again. We lost a good one. 🙂
Agreed.
I was lucky enough to receive one of his books as a Christmas gift (my honey knows me so well). These winter days will be rich in wit and wisdom.
Very nice! Enjoy!
Thanks so much for reposting this.
Michael Lacy
Thank you, Michael. It was a real privilege to get to know your dad even a little bit.
How sad to see he’s passed away, and it seems too soon. The Garden in Autumn has been one of my favorite books for years and I love the mix of facts and story.
Have a great 2016!
You as well, Frank.
Jason, thank you for sharing your interview with Allen Lacy. His books “The Garden in Autumn” and “Gardening with Groundcovers and Vines” deeply influenced not only my garden style, but the humorous aspects of being a plant addict. Wonderful interview!
Thanks! I need to get my hand on his book on groundcovers and vines.
He was way ahead of the curve on the design possibilities!
It’s a great book, it had a huge influence on how I garden.
What an interesting man. I did enjoy your interview with him. What an unusual start too!
All the very best to you and yours Jason. Happy New Year.xxx
So glad you enjoyed the interview. A happy new year to you and your family as well.
If a seed planted bears fruit, all sacrifices are worthy. Only met Allen Lacy today but the fruit … is discovering gardeninacitt!
Love, lordflea.com
Pleased to meet you!
Likewise, garden… i’m a timber bamboo grower. What’s your favorite plant?
I really enjoyed reading this again.
I’m so glad.
I’ve been fortunate to have read a lot of good books over my lifetime, but Home Ground made an indelible impression on me over thirty years ago with its wonderfully rich blend of humor and horticulture. What a legacy!
I think the appeal of Home Ground will last for many generations.