Victorian GardensHardcover, 30 December 2004

Welcome to the joys of nineteenth century gardening and design! The Victorians were masters of combining geometric formality and bright, formal, seasonal bedding to create lush, exuberant outdoor living spaces. This delightful book presents Victorian gardening style and design using beautiful landscapes lavish with carpet beds, topiary, statuary, sundials, marble and stone walkways, as well as classical architectural ruins, fountains, and pools. Many restorations and recreations of Victorian gardens are highlighted, including Osborne House, on the Isle of Wight (Queen Victoria's country home), Biddulph Grange in Staffordshire, and Down House in Kent (home to Charles Darwin). Authentic Victorian writings, design instructions, and illustrations guide the modern gardener on how to shape up, Victorian style. Gorgeously illustrated with over 200 beautiful color photographs plus illustrations, diagrams, and layouts of restorations and recreations, this book is sure to inspire and give the reader confidence to experiment. All who enjoy looking at and working in beautiful outdoor spaces will find this book irresistible.