Description:
Stone is an important, though often overlooked, element of creating the perfect garden. Stone can combine with plants and water in an infinite array to bring us landscapes that range from the serene and contemplative to the boisterous and exuberant. While much has been written about plants and water in the garden, only scant attention has been paid to stone. Jan Kowalczewski Whitner, whose previous gardening books include Stonescaping: A Guide to Using Stone in Your Garden and Northwest Garden Style, finds this an injustice. "Stone is eloquent, and it speaks in many voices," says Whitner. "Some of our most imaginative gardeners have used stone to transform ordinary plots of land into the cumulatively rich and evocative landscapes we all hope to create." With photographer Linda Quartman Younker, Whitner travels across America, exploring some of the most imaginative uses of stone in gardens ranging from orderly formal gardens to relaxed and cozy cottage plots. While this is a beautiful book, and would look great on the coffee table, it is also meant to be useful. A good deal of the book is devoted to specific types of stones and stonework, such as using gravel or working with outcrops, with accompanying lists of plants that work well with each. The final section of the book takes a more detailed look at a few of the most imaginative and evocative gardens in which stone takes center stage. With so many great suggestions and so many inspirational photographs, you're sure to pick up a few ideas for your own garden. --Perry M. Atterberry
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