Gardens of Eden Among the World's Most Beautiful Gardens

Spanning time and continents, this botanical exploration touches on all corners of the globe, visiting the glorious paradise of ancient Persia, the restrained gardens of Italy, and the Buddhist-inspired landscapes of China and Japan. The accompanying visuals conduct a journey through a horticultural wonderland, capturing locations such as Les Jardins du Paradis in Cordes-sur-Ciel, France; Nooroo in Australia's Blue Mountains; Villa Lante in Tuscany, Italy; and the ancient gardens of Kyoto, Japan. It also reveals where some of the world's greatest writers found inspiration„including Vita Sackville-West's Sissinghurst in Kent„and where politicians found solace, such as George Washington's Mount Vernon Estate. A celebration of the ideals and aesthetics that govern the creation of gardens in many cultures, this lavishly illustrated book is not simply a stroll through the world's finest gardens but a romp through history, an armchair ride around the world, and a guide to how and when to visit these breathtaking locations.