Her own books about gardening are widely read in modern editions; much has been written about her by others. She contributed over 1,000 articles to Country Life, The Garden and other magazines. A talented painter, photographer, designer and craftswoman; she was very much influenced by Arts & Crafts principles.

Her brother, Walter, was a friend of the author, Robert Louis Stevenson; his name was borrowed for the title of his famous Jekyll & Hyde psychological thriller.

Gertrude Jekyll is well known for her association with the English architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens; she collaborated with him on gardens for many of his houses.