Private Gardens of the Pacific Northwest - A Book Review

I have been so excited this week with various entertainment media. First, I got the news that Abba had released two songs after a 40-year absence. I've been a huge fan since I was a teenager and I'm in hog heaven. I've already ordered the CD which will be out in November. 

Next up, a brand new season of "Vera"!!

And finally, a wonderful new book that showcases 20 private gardens in Washington and Oregon. I got an advance copy to review and I've been trying to savor it slowly. Books of this nature used to appear frequently but it seems that they are few and far between these days. 

This is a beautiful hardcover coffee table book that measures 11 x 9 1/2". The gardens cover a diverse range of types and sizes, from lush multi-acre gardens to small city lots. Various gardening styles are represented, from the whimsical to the exotic. The majority of the gardens are located in northern Washington in the Puget Sound region with five from the Portland area.

The Lane Garden in Medina, Washington (photo by William Wright, used with permission by Gibbs Smith)

Each garden is covered in a dozen pages that discusses the garden owner, the history of the garden and a description of plants and features. The book is lushly illustrated with stunning photography.

The Stockett Garden in Vashon Island, Washington (photo by William Wright, used with permission by Gibbs Smith)

 

Written by Brian Coleman (an editor at large with Old House Journal and photography by William Wright. A foreword by Art Wolfe whose Seattle Japanese garden is featured in the book.

The White Garden in Redmond, Washington (photo by William Wright, used with permission by Gibbs Smith)

 This is a stunning book and would make a great gift for the garden lover (Christmas will be here soon!).

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy