Edward Steichen and the Garden

The story of photographer Edward Steichen's deep connections to the natural world, from how it influenced his artistic practice to his award-winning garden

In a 1937 article titled "Millions of Gardeners," Life magazine published "Mr. Steichen . . . is known among photographers as one of the greatest portraitists clicking a shutter today. He is known among horticulturists as one of the greatest breeders of delphiniums who ever called the gods' wrath down on a burrowing star-nosed mole."

For over sixty years, the pioneering American photographer Edward Steichen spent most of his spare time—and money—nurturing plants and gardens. It was an activity that sustained and inspired him, and through which he developed ardently held intellectual precepts regarding the interrelationship of creativity, nature, and art.

Edward Steichen and the Garden explores Steichen's artistic practice and his engagement with nature, gardening, and plant breeding, bringing to light the many ways in which the two pursuits were closely allied. The book's abundant illustrations feature paintings and photographs by Steichen and fellow artists who painted in his garden, including Arthur B. Carles, John Marin, Katharine Knowles, and Marion Beckett. A selection of archival material such as family snapshots and awards for his delphiniums offers an intimate perspective on Steichen's devotion to nature and his garden.

Published in association with the George Eastman Museum

Exhibition Schedule:

George Eastman Museum, Rochester, NY
(March 27–September 6, 2026)

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston, MA
(June 17–September 12, 2027)

Reynolda House Museum of American Art, Winston-Salem, NC
(October 16, 2027–January 8, 2028)