This book blends numerous areas of interest: First is the basic how-to of desert gardening: heat, soils, water and wind. Second is the exploration of Palm Springs architecture from Spanish to Mid-century modern and how outdoor gardens are made to work with these styles. Third is a detailed presentation of the plants that will thrive here under ordinary care, and are naturally adapted to the dry climates of Australia, Mexico, Africa and South America. Rather than group plants by trees, shrubs, and perennials as most books are laid out, Palm Springs Gardening organizes plants according to their botanical associations and their aesthetic ones¿so readers go straight to the kinds of plants they find most appealing. The author also considers the aesthetic vernacular of local architecture and the plants that are best used with each one. Beautiful locations throughout the region offer a great deal of diversity, so that the book covers the full range of interests. They include public places with garden interest, like Moorten Botanical Gardens and The Living Desert.

Redwoods and Roses explores the special relationship California’s diverse peoples have shared with nature and the unique gardens and landscapes they have created over the years to nurture and enhance those bonds. From pre-colonial times to the Victorian era, California gardening expert Maureen Gilmer brings this garden history to life, showing how the gardens and landscapes were created and profiling the heirloom plants within them. But Redwoods and Roses is more than a book on gardening history. Here, the reader will discover how to recreate period designs in her own garden, from making a no-fuss adobe-look wall from the Mission era to finding heirloom plants for a cottage garden. Redwoods and Roses is a blend of natural history, California history, plants profiles, landscaping tips, and sensible garden advice, as well as an eloquent plea for the preservation of many remarkable plants.

Penelope Hobhouse uses some of the finest gardens in the world to show how to lay out and plant formal, patterned, natural and flower gardens. Her examples range from Italianate Blake House garden at Berkeley, California, with its spectacular curving staircase and rectangular pool, to the Jekyll-inspired planting of white foxgloves in the wild garden at Knightshayes, Devon; from the excitement of the summer flower border at Pontrancart, Dieppe, to the simple greeness of a garden room at La Pietra in Tuscany. But this book is more than a tour of beautiful gardens. Penelope Hobhouse informs, advises and inspires on every aspect of garden design. She explains how to relate a garden to its setting; the importance of establishing a proper structure, whether as an end in itself or as a backdrop for decorative planning; and how to create a successful small garden. These themes are balanced by in-depth portraits of more than 20 gardens, some famous like Great Dixter, Villandry and Giustry, other less known and previously unpublished.

This reference work is for anyone wanting to improve their garden. Design solutions are presented along with practical information enabling you to create a garden that looks and works as you want it to. The book is split into six sections on essential gardens, exterior design, living space, planting design, a directory and foundation techniques.

Redwoods and Roses explores the special relationship California's diverse peoples have shared with nature and the unique gardens and landscapes they have created over the years to nurture and enhance those bonds. From pre-colonial times to the Victorian era, California gardening expert Maureen Gilmer brings this garden history to life, showing how the gardens and landscapes were created and profiling the heirloom plants within them. But Redwoods and Roses is more than a book on gardening history. Here, the reader will discover how to recreate period designs in her own garden, from making a no-fuss adobe-look wall from the Mission era to finding heirloom plants for a cottage garden. Redwoods and Roses is a blend of natural history, California history, plants profiles, landscaping tips, and sensible garden advice, as well as an eloquent plea for the preservation of many remarkable plants.

Explores the essential relationship between house & garden. Includes 130 full-color photographs.

A comprehensive guide to gardening covers annuals, perennials, bulbs, roses, trees and shrubs, vegetables, houseplants, lawns, garden design, and gardening techniques.