Today's gardeners have more plants and design ideas to choose from than ever before. But is there something missing in their gardens if they ignore their ties to the past? Denise Wiles Adams has written a remarkable book of history and horticulture that documents the changing plant palette of American gardens. From the colonial era to the pre-World War II period, no region of the country is neglected and no major plant group unrepresented. From a database of more than 25,000 plants and hundreds of antique nursery catalogs, she has distilled a unique survey of American ornamental gardens. Nobody concerned with historic homes and properties can afford to be without it. An important resource that will be consulted for generations,Restoring American Gardensis a vital link between gardeners and their predecessors throughout history.
This book is only available through print on demand. All interior art is black and white.
Denise Wiles Adams is a highly respected historian of ornamental plants and American garden design. She has a Ph.D. in horticulture from The Ohio State University and is a prolific writer and lecturer on topics related to the history of American gardens. She is the author ofRestoring American Gardens.
“Reassuringly domestic. . . . a valuable resource.” —
The New York Times“Home gardeners will discover untried plants and rediscover familiar ones from a rich historical perspective, while professional and amateur designers alike will find a wealth of practical information on how to approach the historic landscape, document key features, develop a list of appropriate plants and pursue investigations. . . . Adams’s enthusiasm in infectious. . . . Destined to become an indispensable reference for anyone interested in heirloom ornamentals and their history.” —
Publishers Weekly“Adams’s enl.
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