It's my observation that gardeners and gardening for a very long time have had to take a back seat. Architects are very famous; they've got huge projects. What goes on in and around them has been relegated to a very minor role.

Robert Irwin’s quote addresses the marginalization of gardeners and gardening in comparison to the more highly celebrated field of architecture. He observes that gardeners and the spaces they create have historically been placed in a secondary position, often overlooked despite their importance in shaping environments. While architects are widely recognized for their major projects, gardening and landscape design, which contribute significantly to the aesthetic and functional quality of spaces, have not received the same level of fame or acknowledgment.

Irwin highlights the disparity in the recognition between architects and gardeners, suggesting that the work of gardeners is often seen as a supporting or secondary element to architectural design. While architects may design the buildings, the gardens and outdoor spaces—often just as integral to the experience of a place—are given far less attention. This reflects a cultural tendency to prioritize the built environment over the natural or landscaped spaces, even though these gardens contribute to the overall atmosphere and utility of the space.

The quote also points to a historical trend where architecture, as a more visible and structured discipline, has overshadowed gardening, which tends to be more organic and subtle in its impact. Irwin’s observation suggests a need to reevaluate the roles of both fields and recognize that gardening, like architecture, is an essential and influential practice that deserves greater attention and respect.

The origin of this quote likely stems from Irwin’s long career as an artist and landscape designer, where he has seen firsthand how gardening and landscape work often remain in the shadow of more conventional forms of art, such as architecture. Through his work, Irwin advocates for a deeper understanding of how gardens and landscapes shape and enhance our experiences, and for giving gardeners and their craft the recognition they deserve in the broader context of design.