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The New Romantic Garden - a book review

The New Romantic Garden by Jo Thompson Rizzoli, 2025 Jo Thompson is a noted UK garden designer who has won numerous awards at RHS shows. Her style is the epitome of the "romantic English garden" idea - sumptuous borders packed with perennials in pastel colors, arches covered with roses, idyllic meadows and garden rooms. But what is the "new" romantic garden? Described as a fresh perspective of utilizing this lush gardening style into the present-day world, it places an emphasis on organic gardening, biodiversity, plant and soil health.  A scene from the author's own garden... Photo: Rachel Warne In this gorgeous book, Thompson showcases thirty of her gardens, all beautifully described and photographed.  From estate gardens to a London penthouse roof garden, they provide sumptuous eye-candy and inspiration. A peek inside... A London city garden filled with roses and iris (Photo: Jason Ingram) Writer Justine Picardie's garden in Norfolk evokes a feeling of a ...
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The Elegant & Edible Garden - a book review


The Elegant and Edible Garden by Linda Vader
Publication Date: April 12, 2022 (Cool Springs Press)

I often wonder how many people actually look at the construction and design of a book before diving in. I am one of those people and the first thing I noticed upon receiving this book in the mail was how beautiful it is and how it feels in the hand. It is by no means a large book and measures a compact 10" x 8" (approx.), not too big, not too little, just right. It is also very tactile with a rough canvas texture and embossed lettering. It is a beautifully designed book book inside and out. But enough about that - what's in it?

Photo courtesy Cool Springs Press

Judging from the title, one would assume that it is about vegetable gardening and that does play a significant role but the book is more about designing your dream garden as opposed to how to grow specific vegetables.

Linda Vater is a garden designer and social media personality who lives and gardens in Oklahoma City on a small lot surrounding a 1935 English Tudor house. She was inspired by Rosemary Verey, who created her famous potager (a kitchen garden incorporating ornamental plants and low hedges) at her home at Barnsley House in Gloucestershire.

Photo courtesy Cool Springs Press

As Vater demonstrates, "inspiration" is the first step, whether it comes from a photo in a book or magazine or visiting a garden that captures your imagination. She goes on to explain that once you determine the kind of garden you want, the next step is to analyze the physical needs that such a garden requires (soil, light, water, etc.)  Design elements such as entryways, focal points, edgings, colors and how to frame views follow. She goes on to discuss the practicality of caring for the garden and anticipating likely changes that will occur (as she herself experienced boxwood outgrowing their spaces and a devastating ice storm.)

In addition to Vater's practical and motivating words, the book is generously illustrated with gorgeous photographs.

Photo courtesy Cool Springs Press


 Note: Quarto Group / Cool Springs Press provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for a review. I received no compensation and the opinions are my own. 

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

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