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Sun Drenched Gardens Jan Smithen

Sun Drenched Gardens By Jan Smithen

Sun Drenched Gardens by Jan Smithen


£11.50
New RRP £27.00
Condition - Like New
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Summary

This volume showcases some 25 gardens in France, Italy, Spain and California that employ drought-tolerant plants such as agaves and other succulents, wisteria, lavenders, geraniums and even some roses, with design features such as terraces, arbours, pergolas, topiary and statuary.

Sun Drenched Gardens Summary

Sun Drenched Gardens by Jan Smithen

The Mediterranean climate, with its mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers, gave rise to a gardening style that is very much in vogue today. Not only do Mediterranean-style gardens offer gorgeous, fragrant, soothing sanctuaries that are wonderfully easy to maintain, but water-saving planting is environmentally sound and enormously appealing whatever one's region or climatic zone. This lush, seductive volume showcases the distinctive beauty of some 25 gardens in France, Italy, Spain, and California that employ drought-tolerant plants such as agaves and other succulents, wisteria, lavenders, geraniums, and even some roses, and design features such as terraces, arbors, hedges, pergolas, topiary, statuary, decorative tile, and terra-cotta containers,that are hallmarks of the sun-drenched garden aesthetic. Lucinda Lewis's 200 color photographs, made especially for this book, take the reader through a variety of private and public gardens, some grand and some intimate, while extended captions provide the practical information that gardeners want to know, as well as design ideas that will help them create their own place of escape or enchantment.

Sun Drenched Gardens Reviews

With the increasing global warming and warmer, wetter winters, a study of mediterranean style gardening has more pertinence than ever before. Acclaimed US garden writer Jan Smith, accompanied by the talented photographer Lucinda Lewis, present a stunning discourse on mediterranean gardening. Interpreting mediterranean more as a type of climate, flora and garden style than geographically, they also encompass Californian gardens where the drought tolerant planting of Southern Europe is emulated in their similar weather pattern. From the Moorish splendours of Spain with its Islamic overtones to Renaissance villas in Italy and the formal French parterres, the author and photographer travel through these sun-drenched oasis', capturing the hazy, heat-covered vistas of arid yet still green countryside and coast which provide the backdrop to the hidden jewels of private gardens they discover. Punctuated with the silver leaves of olives, cistus and other drought-resistant shrubs and trees, the landscape is awash with scent, warmth and softness. Gardens are formalised with spires of cypress and toparied box, pergolas and arbours drip with bougainvillea and wisteria, epitomising what is commonly regarded as the mediterranean style. Steeped in history and ancient architectural features, the gardens offer shade from the blazing sun, water features adding a coolness to these verdant havens. A truly inspirational book for gardeners in the UK with planting ideas, landscaping suggestions and pictures to dream and aspire to. - Lucy Watson

About Jan Smithen

Jan Smithen, a California-based gardener, teaches gardening classes at the Los Angeles County Arboretum. She has led garden tours to England, Italy, and France. Lucinda Lewis is a professional photographer based in Los Angeles. Her two passions (and favorite photography subjects) are cars and gardens. She is the author and photographer of Abrams' successful Roadside America.

Table of Contents

The mediterranean look; endless sunshine - precious water; living outdoors; mediterranean style - garden elements and details; great plants, inspired plantings.

Additional information

GOR013519168
9780810932906
0810932903
Sun Drenched Gardens by Jan Smithen
Used - Like New
Hardback
Abrams
20021002
176
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
The book has been read, but looks new. The book cover has no visible wear, and the dust jacket is included if applicable. No missing or damaged pages, no tears, possible very minimal creasing, no underlining or highlighting of text, and no writing in the margins

Customer Reviews - Sun Drenched Gardens