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Roses In The Garden - a book review

Roses In The Garden by Ngoc Minh Ngo Photographer Ngoc Minh Ngo celebrates rose gardens throughout the world in this beautifully produced book.  The author photographed a total of 11 gardens across the globe (Italy, Morocco, Spain, USA, UK, and Japan). Beginning with the Italian garden Ninfa (often referred to as the most romantic garden in the world), her photographs have a dreamy quality that transports the reader to these exotic locales. Closer to home, Floret Farm in Mount Vernon, Washington, is included in one of the chapters. All types of roses are included in the gardens but the majority feature old rose varieties. Many of the gardens have roses growing in wild abandon, intermingled in hedge rows, spilling over walls and fences and surrounded by pastures and rolling hills. A pictorial index lists all the roses and the gardens where they reside. This stunning book was published by Rizzoli Books and is available on Amazon and in bookstores. Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, ...
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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

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  1. Lisa at GreenbowSeptember 8, 2021 at 5:58 AM

    I have been collecting books such as this. Since One can't travel without worrying about ones health I decided to collect books about gardens in the US. I say US but I have bought a couple about gardens in other countries. I am making lists of places I want to go. Gardens I want to see when ever...

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  2. chavlinessSeptember 8, 2021 at 7:07 AM

    "I can hear the drums, Fernando..."
    I also a grew up with ABBA, and am over the moon excited that Vera is back. She is one of the best characters in detective dramas. Yay!

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  3. Kris PetersonSeptember 8, 2021 at 1:04 PM

    I just received my copy of this book yesterday so thanks for the preview! I periodically dream of moving north (especially when the drought gets as bad as it is here now). I'm trying to convince my brother-in-law (and my husband) of the value in building a tiny vacation house on his property on Vashon ;)

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    1. Phillip OliverSeptember 8, 2021 at 8:14 PM

      I know, I would like to go farther north. I think the Vashon idea is a good one.

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  4. Hoover BooSeptember 12, 2021 at 10:12 AM

    Dear Husband is ABBA fan, I'm the 'Vera' fan. Thanks for the heads up on that--haven't heard about it.

    The glorious Hakone grass on the book's cover--puts my little tuft to shame!

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  5. PNWwx manMay 14, 2025 at 4:31 PM

    Thanks for the info!

    ReplyDelete

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