Chasing Eden: Design Inspiration from the Gardens at Hortulus Farm

Hortulus Farm, one of the most celebrated private gardens in America, is known as for its opulence and evocative mix of classical design and modern sensibilities. It has been featured in publications like House & Garden, House Beautiful, and Country Living and the New York Times called it "formal, intimate, and grand." In Chasing Eden, Jack Staub and Renny Reynolds use their Pennsylvania-based garden to teach home gardeners the principles of garden design. And more importantly, how and when to break those rules to create a unique, attention-worthy landscape. Readers will learn about vistas and focal points; hardscape; garden furnishing and decoration; and plant palette. They'll also learn more conceptual approaches, like the use of reveal and surprise, and how to beautifully incorporate a kitchen garden into a designed landscape. Equal parts inspirational and practical, this lavishly illustrated book, featuring photography by Rob Cardillo, will help gardeners create their own personal Edens.

• ISBN13: 9781604698732
• Publish Date: 1 March 2020
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Imprint: Timber Press
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 272
• Language: English

Reviews

[annieb123]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Chasing Eden is an impressive survey of the gardens of Hortulus Farm. Due out 7th Jan 2020 from Timber Press, it's 272 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is a beautiful tribute and inspiring survey look at the different gardens, both formal and informal, of the iconic Hortulus farm. For myself, I read gardening tutorials and pictorial guides with at least half an eye toward what I can adapt or use in my own gardens. I look for species and varieties which I can use, arrangements and plantings, especially woodland and shady areas (of which I am overly blessed in my own garden). This lovely book really delivers. The authors explain very well the different aspects and planning which came together in the different garden rooms.

The chapters develop each of the themes, open spaces, hardscaping and land shaping, water features, woodlands, specifics on planting and spacing, themed gardens, and more. In short, the book provides a lot more information and nitty-gritty on varieties and culture information than 'just' inspiring (breathtaking) photography which it also provides in abundance.

The authors have an accessible and friendly style in the prose, but oh, the photographs. This book was just what I needed on the very dreary gray and rainy days of midwinter. I -highly- recommend the book for inspiration and classic varieties of the species and placements. The book also includes an index.

Well written garden philosophy enriched by beautiful photography and layout. Five stars, superlative.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.