Shortly after moving to New York City from her home state of Vermont in 1975, Jane’s intuitive sense of plants quickly landed her a job as chief plant buyer for Surroundings, a prestigious plant supplier on Manhattan’s Upper West Side. This was the beginning of her long relationships with the metro area’s leading plant suppliers, enabling her to access and obtain the best available plant material. Her love of plants soon grew into a passion which in turn became a commitment to pursuing a career as a horticulturist.

After being accepted to the New York Botanical Garden’s School of Professional Horticulture, Jane quickly rose through the ranks, graduating at the top of her class after two years of intensive study. With the added honor of receiving the Excellence in Practical Gardening Award, she set about establishing her own firm in 1983.

She gathered a small group of devoted clients who saw her great potential. As Jane designed, installed and maintained their gardens, these clients formed the backbone of what became her signature business; the vibrant and flourishing Jane Gil Gardens. Jane’s vision took her from the quiet, sedate estates of Connecticut, Long Island and Riverdale to the penthouse terraces of some of NYC’s most celebrated artists and cultural icons.

Jane brought beauty and joy to all she touched through her sparkling spirit and creative vision which live on in the incredible gardens she created. She was deeply caring, always curious, funny and so lovely to be around. No one else in the world was quite like Jane. We all will miss her more than words can express.