How to Read Gardens: A crash course in garden appreciation

by Lorraine Harrison

Garden visiting has never been so popular but how many of us really understand what we are looking at when strolling through a beautiful garden? Are we looking at an original landscaped site or a re-creation? Is the planting matter authentic or made up of modern hybrids? Are the steps and terracing in the Italianate style or are they Arts and Crafts? The truth is that most gardens of any age are like a palimpsest: successive generations have changed and influenced the soft and hard fabric of the place over time. Inevitably many of the gardens we wander through today are an amalgam of changing fashions and circumstance. Garden landscapes can plot the rise and fall of a family’s fortunes, record man’s exploratory spirit through the introduction of foreign plant species, and chart the destruction (and regeneration) caused by natural disasters.
How to Read Gardens provides you with all the knowledge you needs to tease out the clues that will tell the complete story of a garden’s past. From the grandest estate to the smallest suburban plot, this book will enliven and inform every future garden visit.

Genres: Nonfiction, Gardening

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2010

Reviews

[Girl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have received an e-copy of this book from  the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!

There are few things I love as much as growing plants. It's a whole process - first we have the seeds, then tiny sprouts, then little seedlings that need to be repotted into larger containers, and then suddenly there is a huge sunflower in my balcony. Yes, balcony - unfortunately I have no access to a garden of my own. Which means that when I want to spend time in a garden, I am at the mercy of other people's gardens as well as public gardens and parks. I am the kind of person that is actually super excited upon discovering that there is a public garden that I can visit during a city break.

How to Read Gardens is a perfect book for me: a thourough guide to orienting oneself in various types of gardens. Throughout the book, various issues connected with gardens are examined: layout and design, trees, plants and flowers that can be found in gardens, styles of gardens, various decorative elements (including, for example, types of gates or pavements). The gardens and all their features are thus dissected and neatly explained. However, in addition to its wealth of information, this is such an amazingly gorgeous book, illustrated with both colourful photos and various drawings that serve to explain all those garden-related concepts. I don't think the e-book quite gives justice to the pictures: I can imagine How to Read Gardens as a coffee-table book that I would love to show my friends and peruse at my leisure. 

But most of all, I would just love to visit all the gardens mentioned in the book - this time, as a much more literate garden reader.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little book that colorfully gives quick takes on garden, styles, purposes, decorating, contents, and on. The photos are inspiring, as are some of the tips. Nice resource. So much more to it than I mention, so give it a look see yourself. Worth it. Liked the section on “Stumperies” which I am in search of. How to pleach also tweaked my interest. Just quite a plethora of garden-related info.

[Randal White · Rating 4 out of 5]

An easily understood primer on how to understand gardens. How they came to be, why they are designed the way they are, what they are supposed to represent. Now, when I visit famous gardens, I can have a deeper understanding of them.

[Evie Pey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting book complete with quotes from famous gardeners and lovely pictures of examples of architecture in gardens.

The pencil drawings were descriptive and easy to follow.

This book may help the reader understand what the garden designer is trying to say in gardens that they previously have just admired.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"How to Read Gardens" is a short guide to garden appreciation. The author started by discussing the various purposes for and types of gardens (pleasure, fruit, herbs, etc.). The section on styles (Dutch, English, etc.) talked about what was unique or different about each style and when that style was most popular. The tree section talked about the various ways they were used, pruned, and placed. The flowers section talked about the various ways they were placed (overall) and arranged (in the bed). The landscaping section talked about how terrain and water were used, added, or changed to create different looks (like wild or formal) or allow certain uses (like lawn games or mazes). The section on buildings talked about the different types of buildings added for practical purposes or for creating a certain look, and the same for the sections on architectural features and other features.

The text was brief and aimed at a person who is touring a garden to help them better understand what they are looking at and some reasons why a feature might have been used. Each section contained photos or illustrations showing what various features that you might find in a garden look like and the differences between them, like the difference between a pergola and an arbor. There were some mentions of when a certain feature was most popular or where it was popular (focusing on Europe and America). Overall, I'd recommend this book to people who enjoy touring gardens who want help identifying various garden features.

I received a ebook review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[César Rey]

Existen muchos libros sobre la flora (y la fauna) de un jardín, y abundan también las recopilaciones de jardines que, por un motivo u otro, merece la pena conocer. Son menos frecuentes las guías que te ayudan a interpretar estos lugares, a distinguir sus partes —de los árboles y las plantas ornamentales a los elementos paisajísticos y arquitectónicos—, a apreciar su estilo y propósito, a indagar en las capas de historia y gustos sociales que acumulan.

CÓMO LEER JARDINES, de Lorraine Harrison, es quizás la más clara, completa y sintética que conozco. Además, ejemplifica las explicaciones con multitud de ilustraciones y fotografías (sobre todo, de jardines ingleses, franceses e italianos) y tiene el tamaño justo para llevarla encima en cualquier visita.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can not help but have an urge to go strolling through a garden when you read this book. The author breaks down the components so well, with illustrations and photos from the architecture to the seating. Would be a wonderful companion to have while you are visiting not only infamous gardens but any formally structured garden. You will glean not only a respite while walking but an appreciation for the deliberate placement and purpose of the original design.

[sasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m going to be that annoying mf in the garden!! :D

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a huge appreciation for gardens. I love gardening myself. I also love viewing other peoples gardens. Did you know that gardens are not just a bunch of plants tossed into an empty spot on the ground? They are a work of art as well. My husband and I visit a lot of museums and gardens. Some of the gardens at museums actually speak to you about the people who lived in the home. You can learn a lot of the person who planted the garden, their favorite colors, their favorite flower and more.

This book is a guide to help you understand more of what you are seeing when you visit Gardens. There are a huge variety of types of gardens. There are Flowers, there are trees, there are shrubs, and even some gardens are all about the pots and statues. This book helps you learn what you are looking at and how to appreciate the beauty even more. Most gardens that have withstood the twists and turns of time are not actually the original garden at all. They may have been remade over time and some may of even been restored back to what the planter assumes was the original garden. Knowing what to look for in a garden is also important in being able to appreciate it even more.

This book is an awesome guide. The text sections are short but give you enough to go on by adding the beautiful pictures in the book. There are also some black and white drawings as well. You may even see some ideas in this book for starting your own garden.

I received this book from the Author or Publisher via Netgalley.com to read and review.

[Kelly Hodgkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was suggested to me by the publisher and, as such, I didn’t pay much attention to the back cover introduction – an error on my part! Upon reading it, I realised the book isn’t designed to be an in-depth study of how a garden comes together and how to place it in history but rather a handy guide to take on garden travels. It draws attention to each part a garden may have and explains why it’s there or what the gardener is trying to achieve stylistically. For me, it is a little too superficial with too few photos of the gardens and without conclusions, I’m not quite to do with my head full of threads untied. It’s a three out of five for me, but I can see how others may enjoy its light, conversational tone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Quarto Publishing Group – Ivy Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Etcipiente · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tascabile molto carino che prende in considerazione principalmente il giardino formale; le sue divisioni, i suoi stili, gli elementi che li caratterizzano. Ricchissimo di foto ed immagini esplicative, lo considero un bignami per lo stile sopracitato. Le piante quasi non vengono menzionate.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is so fun! I love visiting gardens and this easy guide to what you'll find in a garden and why it is there is amazing. So much history with lots of great illustrations and descriptions. It's a good size to carry around as well.

[Claire Hardwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of European garden references, but nevertheless a great resource to have If while walking through historical garden to use this book as a pocketbook reference for learning to appreciate the different garden styles and the history of garden ornaments that may be featured .

[Elena Acosta · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy bueno para principiantes en jardinería sin nociones de arquitectura. Te ayuda a tener vías para seguir indagando en el arte de la jardinería y paisajismo.

[Cristina Campos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Muy visual, aprende tanto un amateur como un profesional del paisajismo.

[emma 🧚‍♀️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

cute little informative book on the basics of gardens with lots of nice pictures and explanations, four stars

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Read Gardens: A Crash Course in Garden Appreciation by Lorraine Harrison

2010 original publication

I received this excerpt copy of this digital book which contained about 40 pages from NetGalley and Herbert Press/Ivy Press in exchange for an unbiased review.

No need to be concerned about spoilers as I only received 40 pages to review.

When most people stroll through a garden it’s doubtful that much thought is given to the magnificent view. Rather than provide a detailed explanation of the historical and influential effects of gardens through the years, this is a more user friendly guide.

The excerpt of the book I received started with an introduction to types and styles of gardens before skipping to the physical features and structures. The use of varied materials for walls, seating and decorative gates help to define the particular garden. It is difficult to review a book without the context of the complete book. The selection I received was interesting and made me want to put it in context with the beginning of the book.

Update: The publisher provided me with the completed version of this book. The book in its entirety is facinating and well illustrated. It is a must read for those who love garden structure and architecture involved in the magnificent displays we see.

[Jeroen Nijs · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's exactly what it says on the cover: a crash course in garden appreciation. I've walked in great gardens for years, without much of a clue, and this book was giving me lots of a-ha moments. Lots of information, nicely illustrated.

[Bonnie · Rating 3 out of 5]

a book I wished I own instead of borrowed from the library. It contains handy tips of what to look out for in a garden, handy for the next visit!

[Kelly Hodgkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was suggested to me by the publisher and, as such, I didn't pay much attention to the back cover introduction - an error on my part! Upon reading it, I realised the book isn't designed to be an in-depth study of how a garden comes together and how to place it in history but rather a handy guide to take on garden travels. It draws attention to each part a garden may have and explains why it's there or what the gardener is trying to achieve stylistically. For me, it is a little too superficial with too few photos of the gardens and without conclusions, I'm not quite to do with my head full of threads untied. It's a three out of five for me, but I can see how others may enjoy its light, conversational tone.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Quarto Publishing Group - Ivy Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a reference book for schools or for garden lovers, this book makes us visit the gardens through the history by illustrating with pictures and diagrams and by explaining the architectural process of garden.

[Samantha · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to Read Gardens is a nice book on formal gardens and the type of areas in each garden. If you visit a National Trust Garden then this book helps explain the different types of styles that you might find.

There are 7 main chapters in this book that include Types of Gardens, Styles if Garden, Trees, Plants & Flowers, Landscape Features, Garden Buildings and Features.

There is colour photography throughout the book of beautiful gardens along with lovely sketch drawings of some of the features that might be found.

I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review

[Gaby F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Read Gardens is an excellent field guide for lay people who appreciate spending time in public and private garden spaces and who want to know about the features that make them so inviting to their visitors. The book names and explains a multitude of elements and their different variations that can be found in formal and not-so-formal landscapes. Successful gardens and parks have in common that there is an organic flow between different spaces and a lot of features feel like they are meant to be right where they are. This book helps me appreciate that the water features, hedges, flower beds, buildings, etc. did not happen accidentally, but actually have been carefully placed into the landscape with specific intentions to to stimulate the senses and create a certain atmosphere for the visitors. Lorraine Harrison's descriptions and explanations are very detailed. For example, I know what a gazebo is. But I do not know the differences between a T'ing and a Kiosk. This book helps me close that gap.