Gardens Of Obsession: Eccentric And Extravagant Visions

By Gordon Taylor and Guy Cooper

Book Overview

How would you describe the garden of your dreams? Gordon Taylor and Guy Cooper have found more than 150 gardens that could be called visionary, magical, beautiful, mysterious, witty, and bizarre. They are located in countries as diverse as Britain, the United States, France, Germany, Canada, Belgium, Italy, Mexico, and Australia. Some are based on myths and allegories from the ancient world; others grew out of a passion for a single type of plant. Some reflect high culture; others are folksy or kitsch. Ideas have taken on a new life as extravagant topiaries in Ecuador, a formal Renaissance garden in France, giant wooden hands rising from a small hillside garden in California, and a garden of 1500 roses in Somerset planted in order of their introduction into western Europe. Each of these gardens is an extraordinary example of a person's innermost, all-consuming fantasy come to life. 192 pages, 165 color illus., 9 x 11. NEW IN PAPERBACK

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0297823736
• ISBN13: 9780297823735
• Release Date: December 1999
• Publisher: Cassell
• Length: 192 Pages
• Weight: 3.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 9.4" x 11.4"

Customer Reviews

Uplifting & Inspirational Garden Visionaries

I work part time at a greenhouse (mostly as an indentured servant to my own gardening habit) and am TIRED of those whom I refer to as "Garden Nazis" - people (some of them - horrors - my very own co-workers) who think gardening is all about what you see in *those* magazines. You know the ones. This book offers a much needed and totally refreshing viewpoint that takes the onous off of we gardeners to create in just one way and opens avenues into whole new worlds! Have a look and be transported.

getting in touch with your inner wacko

When I was a kid, I thought I'd like to be eccentric when I grew up. On my good days, I flatter myself that I've attained this goal. Compared with the people whose gardens are shown here, however, I'm a rank amateur. The gardeners whose work are presented have a clear vision of what they want, and they've gone to whatever lengths were necessary to create it. There's topiary, there's folk art, there's real art. I guarantee you'll find some of it ugly or tacky -- but anyone who wants more from a garden than what good taste and convention can provide will be riveted and inspired.

GARDENS OF OBSESSIONS

I OWN A LANDSCAPING COMPANY AND I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR ORIGINAL IDEAS.THIS BOOK HAS GARDENS FROM A FANTASY LAND. BEAUTIFUL PICTURES OF BREATHTAKING GARDENS. THIS BOOK IS FOR PEOPLE WHO ENJOY BEAUTY...NOT JUST GARDENING.

Beautiful

If you love gardens, you have to get this one. Some of the gardens are just plain eccentric, but incredibly beautiful. Incredible mazes and topiaries. If you want to see something original, and something out of the ordinary, this is for you. Makes a GREAT gift for anyone who loves gardens, or who just loves beautiful books.