Helen Allingham painted the gardens of a number of friends but she particularly admired the garden of Gertrude Jekyll at Munstead Wood, near Godalming. The south border of the garden, situated in front of an old stone wall and doorway leading to the kitchen garden, was a favourite subject.
Helen Allingham met Gertrude Jekyll through her husband's friendship with the artist Barbara Bodichon. When they first met Jekyll regarded herself more as an artist than a garden designer, however as early as 1881 she was sufficiently highly regarded to be invited to judge at the Botanic Show (now the Chelsea Flower Show).
It is possible that this watercolour was exhibited at the Fine Art Society in 1901 where subjects included Spring, Summer and Autumn.