Publisher's Synopsis
Spanning time and continents, this botanical exploration touches on all corners of the globe, visiting the glorious paradise of ancient Persia, the restrained gardens of Italy, and the Buddhist-inspired landscapes of China and Japan. The accompanying visuals conduct a journey through a horticultural wonderland, capturing locations such as Les Jardins du Paradis in Cordes-sur-Ciel, France; Nooroo in Australia's Blue Mountains; Villa Lante in Tuscany, Italy; and the ancient gardens of Kyoto, Japan. It also reveals where some of the world's greatest writers found inspirationincluding Vita Sackville-West's Sissinghurst in Kentand where politicians found solace, such as George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate. A celebration of the ideals and aesthetics that govern the creation of gardens in many cultures, this lavishly illustrated book is not simply a stroll through the world's finest gardens but a romp through history, an armchair ride around the world, and a guide to how and when to visit these breathtaking locations.
