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Elements of Garden Design
In Elements of Garden Design, Joe Eck has created a rhetoric of designing gardens - a series of succinctly expressed and easily grasped definitions of key concepts, useful both to the complete novice and the experienced professional. These essays explore the mysteries of garden design, forming an indispensable primer on the making of a garden.
The book is illustrated with thirty-five line drawings by Lisa Brooks that visually support the main concern, which is to address at once the abstract thought that goes into the shaping of a garden as well as its concrete realization. The most theoretical concepts, such as "intention" or "harmony," are discussed and illustrated alongside the most practical - such as decks, fences, gateways, utility areas, vegetable gardens, and places for children to play.
The publication of Elements of Garden Design, already acclaimed by important garden writers and designers in America and England, is a significant event in American gardening. It is destined to be a bible for the growing number of serious American gardeners.
The book is illustrated with thirty-five line drawings by Lisa Brooks that visually support the main concern, which is to address at once the abstract thought that goes into the shaping of a garden as well as its concrete realization. The most theoretical concepts, such as "intention" or "harmony," are discussed and illustrated alongside the most practical - such as decks, fences, gateways, utility areas, vegetable gardens, and places for children to play.
The publication of Elements of Garden Design, already acclaimed by important garden writers and designers in America and England, is a significant event in American gardening. It is destined to be a bible for the growing number of serious American gardeners.
164 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1996
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 7, 2023
“Nothing that is used for contrast in a garden ought ever to call so much attention to itself that it distracts from the whole. Elements of contrast must always be used with restraint. They are the spice to the dish, but no one would want to dine on cinnamon.”
May 31, 2018
The content is great, but I don't like the writing style.
Author Eck goes through the various elements that make a good garden: frame, pattern, texture, style, etc. It's very helpful.
But I wish the book were written in a more "bare bones" format. As it is, Eck's writing is too wordy. Lots of wandering stories and "and another thing" thoughts. I wish he made his points in a more straightforward way and left it at that. I still learned a lot, though.
Author Eck goes through the various elements that make a good garden: frame, pattern, texture, style, etc. It's very helpful.
But I wish the book were written in a more "bare bones" format. As it is, Eck's writing is too wordy. Lots of wandering stories and "and another thing" thoughts. I wish he made his points in a more straightforward way and left it at that. I still learned a lot, though.
August 13, 2010
One of the best books I have read for garden design. Yes it is filled with his opinions, but he also gives good reasons for the choices we make in a garden. He connects feelings with actions very well. It is inspiring.
February 11, 2019
Not a picture book - a discussion about elements of garden design and what makes for a beautiful garden.
May 18, 2019
This was more theory than I wanted... was hoping for more practical advice.
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November 3, 2019good book
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April 14, 2026
Such a lovely book on gardening - it's warm and thoughtful, bordering on philosophical, yet still useful.
July 21, 2009
Great book that clearly outlines many principles of garden design. Not just a "XYZ" plant/landscaping book; this book outlines design principles so the whole garden can be unified and beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews