Book Review: Oxford College Gardens

Oxford College Gardens by Tim Richardson, Photos by Andrew Lawson

Published by Frances Lincoln Limited

Oxford, or The University of Oxford located in Oxford, England is the oldest university in the English-speaking world, and the world's second-oldest surviving university. Made of several colleges or institutions, the gardens of these thirty or so colleges are surprisingly varied in style, age and size, and are filled with surprises, follies, hidden rooms and corners, and rare and diverse plant collections.

Landscape historian Tim Richardson dives into the charm and history of each of these very unique gardens, and the even touches on the architecture they surround, while rich and colorful photography by Royal Horticultural Gold Medal Photographer, Andrew Lawson transports you to the lawns, manicured hedge ways, well-ordered mazes, and captivating floral showpieces. Let's take a little look, shall we?

Photo by Andrew Lawson, from Oxford College Gardens by Tim Richardson

Photo by Andrew Lawson, from Oxford College Gardens by Tim Richardson

Photo by Andrew Lawson, from Oxford College Gardens by Tim Richardson  

 

Photo by Andrew Lawson, from Oxford College Gardens by Tim Richardson 

Photo by Andrew Lawson, from Oxford College Gardens by Tim Richardson

 

Photo by Andrew Lawson, from Oxford College Gardens by Tim Richardson

 

A wonderful book for those interested in gardening, history, architecture, or beauty, I highly recommend giving it a look and picking up your copy via the amazon link below:

 



Book Review: Paradise and Plenty

Paradise and Plenty: A Rothschild Family Garden by Mary Keen; Photographs by Tom Hatton

Published by The Pimpernel Press

 

If you love all things Anglo, Gardening, Design, Downton Abbey, and the Royals - well, you're in luck! If you could pile all of those things into one book, a book beautiful enough to be a coffee table book, but resourceful enough to be a certifiable how-to guide on when, what, and how to plant a productive, yielding, beautiful garden, and you illustrated all of that in the stunning photography of a private manor garden, kept intensely private until you had this magical book ... well, you'd have the masterwork of Garden Designer Mary Keen and photographer Tom Hatton, Paradise and Plenty: A Rothschild Family Garden.

 

The book, published by The Pimpernel Press, is the window into the private garden of Lord Rothschild's private house, Eythrope in Buckinghamshire, England, where flowers, fruits, and vegetables are produced year round under the watchful leadership of renowned head gardener Sue Dickinson. Eythrope is the dower house for the Rothschild family's high Victorian chateau, Waddesdon Manor. 25-Years ago, Mary Keen, author of Paradise and Plenty, designed the walled gardens surrounding Eythrope, and introduced Dickinson to Jacob (Lord) and Serena (Lady) Rothschild.

 

Waddesdon Manor, Cecile Hofer, 1885 - from Paradise and Plenty: A Rothschild Family Garden

 

Eythrope is never open to the public. It is, and has always been, a private residence. If you've been impressed by the gardens, and interiors of the country houses of Downton Abbey, Eythrope and Waddesdon are certainly to be in your favor! Let's take a little peek inside the gardens of Eythrope shall we?

 

Photo credit: Tom Hatton from Paradise and Plenty: A Rothschild Family Garden

Photo credit: Tom Hatton from Paradise and Plenty: A Rothschild Family Garden

Photo credit: Tom Hatton from Paradise and Plenty: A Rothschild Family Garden

Photo credit: Tom Hatton from Paradise and Plenty: A Rothschild Family Garden

Photo credit: Tom Hatton from Paradise and Plenty: A Rothschild Family Garden

Photo credit: Tom Hatton from Paradise and Plenty: A Rothschild Family Garden

 

Photo credit: Tom Hatton from Paradise and Plenty: A Rothschild Family Garden

 



Indeed, a beautiful photographic journey through the tailored topiary gardens, flower cutting gardens, and highly productive and organic vegetable gardens and fruit orchards,  Paradise and Plenty: A Rothschild Family Garden is packed with inspiration on every page. A wealth of practical information and guidance in gardening, and tips on improving your own garden (or starting one), the book is a true asset to any gardener, and a lovely journey into the world of the British elite and the English countryside for those of us who love a book on history, houses, gardens, and design. Take a look for yourself, and grab a copy via the amazon link below:

  

 

Book Review: Gertrude Jekyll at Munstead Wood

Gertrude Jekyll at Munstead Wood by Judith Tankard & Martin Wood

Published by Pimpernel Press LTD

  

Many of you know that Color Outside the Lines started as a garden blog. If you didn't know that, don't worry - it's been a long time since I posted about my own gardening experiences. Having no clue about gardening, or the climate and growing seasons here in New York, I, bright-eyed and bushy tailed, took to the dirt in my old garden and started planting. It evolved as it grew, and eventually, I grew out of it, leaving the garden, the house, all of it behind. Even so, my love for the garden has not suffered, and I find myself ever more interested in the architecture and horticulture behind gardens that are well designed from the very beginning.

 

That's why I have been so captivated by the lasting work of Gertrude Jekyll (1843-1932), the brilliant and influential British horticulturist, garden designer, artist, and writer. She created over 400 gardens in the United Kingdom, Europe and the United States, and wrote over 1,000 articles for various magazines. Books about her gardens have been written for decades, including Gertrude Jekyll at Munstead Wood which is back in reprint after nearly 20-years!

 

Munstead Wood is the name of Gertrude Jekyll's private estate in Surrey, England, designed by architect, Sir Edwin Lutyens. Together, Lutyens and Jekyll worked on numerous projects, but none were as beautiful as Munstead Wood (in my opinion). Let's take a look at some photos of Munstead Wood:

 

 

Here is a photo of Munstead Wood from 1921. The Arts and Crafts style house was built in 1897 to compliment the gardens that Jekyll had been creating since 1882. While alive, Gertrude maintained the 15-acres of gardens with the help of 14 full-time gardeners! Since her death, the original 15-acres has been divided into 7 parcels, the largest remaining being the site of the main house and gardens.

 

 



A more recent photo of Munstead Wood shows the beauty of the gardens and landscape, and how the architect of the home was thoughtful of the design approach, keeping the gardens and woodlands in mind. Gertrude Jekyll at Munstead Wood is a history of gardening, landscape design, horticulture, and a true love and passion for gardening. The book includes photos that had not been seen or published before of the gardens in their working phases and how they look today, and narrates the life of Gertrude, not only as an avid garden lover, but also a savvy businesswoman. Without further ado, let's take a look at current day Munstead Wood, Jekyll's masterpiece:

 

 

The book is a fantastic collection of history, comprised in writings, photographs, and detailed accounts from those who knew Jekyll and her remarkable ability. If you're a lover of the garden, history, architecture, or just all things Anglophile, I believe that Gertrude Jekyll at Munstead Wood is a book you should add to your must have list. Take a closer look and grab your copy via the amazon link below: 

 

 

Book Review: Rooftop Garden Design

Rooftop Garden Design Edited by David Fletcher

Published by Images Publishing

 

I think that we are all trying to "go green" now, and likely you have been for the last several years. Small changes, like changing out incandescent bulbs for CFL's, recycling, buying certified repurposed or biodegradable goods are just small steps to helping conserve our earth's resources. In design, you surely have seen a push to natural fibers (linen, cotton, wool) in the fabrics for new furniture, with some companies now selling certified "green" furniture for the home.

 

Even builders of new buildings are thinking "green", with installation of water-free plumbing, solar panel electricity, and in many situations "green" roofs. Green roofs are the ultimate in sustainable building practices, and they continue to generate enormous interest and enthusiasm among architects, landscape designers, and urban planners.

 

Rooftop Garden Design provides a comprehensive guide to contemporary trends in rooftop garden design, and provides definitive theory and design industry knowledge. Let's take a peek inside!

 

 Photo/Design Credit: Aralia UK;

Knightsbridge Roof Terrace, London, UK - Rooftop Garden Design

 

Photo credit: Mariko Reed; Architect Design: brick, llp; Landscape Design: Bionic

899 West Evelyn, California, United States - Rooftop Garden Design

 

 Photo Credit: Ben Wetherall; Design Credit: Aralia UK;

Concept Show Garden, Chelsea, UK - Rooftop Garden Design

 

Photo Credit: Patrick Bingham-Hall; Architecture Design: Guz Architects Pte Ltd; Landscape Design: Nyee Phoe Landscapes; Private Home, Sentosa, Singapore - Rooftop Garden Design

 

Photo Credit: Jay Jallorina; Landscape Design: ArquitectonicaGEO

SM City North EDSA Sky Gardens, Quezon City, Philippines - Rooftop Garden Design

 

These are just a few of the amazing projects from around the world captured in the richly illustrated pages of Rooftop Garden Design.  Projects from commercial to residential are showcased from Australia, Chile, China, Europe, Japan, Mexico, Philippines, Scandinavia, Thailand, United Kingdom, United States, and Vietnam. So, if you have an interest in green practices, sustainable gardening, and rooftop garden design, look no further than this book! An essential resource for anyone working on environmental landscape, the book is more than a reference guide, it's a gorgeous, well illustrated, and inspirational book perfect for perusing when you need a little break from the ordinary. Look at little further, and grab your copy via the amazon link below:

  

Quick Little Trip ...

Scott and I whisked ourselves away this weekend for a little vacation in the Brandywine Valley. It was much needed, trust me! If you read the blog with any regularity, you know I love the Brandywine Valley, that beautiful, Eden-like area where Philadelphia meets Delaware and Maryland. We had a reason to go, Patti LuPone (broadway legend) was performing her show "Coulda, Shoulda, Woulda ... Played that Part" at Longwood Gardens, but our only reason for staying the long weekend was exploration, relaxation, and restoration.

We started at one of my favorite stores in Glen Mills, Pa, Terrain at Styers. Terrain is the brainchild of the Anthropologie brand. A store devoted to gardening and plants, it's a nursery done only the way that Anthropologie could possibly pull off. Unique, one-of treasures are mixed with hand crafted soaps and beauty products, plants and gardening equipment strewn about the lush pebble carpeted grounds with glimpses of fine upholstery, art, and home décor through every window and open door. It's a magical place, and I'm constantly and irrevocably inspired every time we visit:

 

Next we headed off down the road for a little antique store shopping. There are 4 antique stores on Baltimore Pike, all of which carry a variety of things and operate in a Co-Op format with vendors renting small spaces and filling it with literally, whatever they want. Sometimes it's good - and sometimes it's not.

 

At one of these antique stores, a large open air porch wraps the entire house turned shop, and I couldn't resist playing Alice when I saw this awesome oversized chair:

 



How fun is this? I don't think it's for sale, because it's been here every time we stopped in to the store. Architectural fragment litters the porch, everything from windows and doors, to fireplace surrounds and columns are ripe for the picking. Inside, I thought this little sign was brilliant for the baker or cook who likes a little whimsy:

Keep Calm and Add Butter

 

 

Next we checked into our hotel, unpacked our bags, and then headed back to Longwood Gardens for a quick spin around the gardens before Patti's show. (I'm totally on a first name basis with her!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

I even got inspiration for our kitchen remodel from the antique kitchen on view in the home turned museum of Longwood Gardens' creator and benefactor, Peirce duPont.

 

 

Then we headed over to the stage, to grab our seats before Patti came on to perform. Now, if you know anything at all about her, you know that pulling your camera out to take pictures while she's on stage is begging for an embarrassing invitation to leave, so I left my phone tucked neatly into my white pants, and enjoyed the concert! She's an amazing performer!

 

 

The next day we headed into Baltimore, but before getting there, we stopped off at Ladew Topiary Gardens by recommendation of my friend Amy. It was lovely!

 

 

It was a lovely garden, and the weather couldn't have been more perfect. The inside of the Ladew house is spectacular, a home I could move right into without changing a thing! Unfortunately, they do not allow interior photographs. Next we headed down to Baltimore, and to the National Aquarium. I'm a huge aqua-nerd, so, anytime we are near an aquarium of any repute, we go.

 

 

While it was a lovely aquarium, the highlight had to be the introduction to Calypso, the 490-pound green sea turtle missing its left, front flipper. Found off the Long Island coast in 2000, the turtle was just 6-pounds when rescuers nursed the now mammoth turtle back to health. The missing left flipper, lost to a severe infection when Calypso was found, doesn't even seem to bother Calypso. We had a great time, but so far, nothing has compared to the Boston Aquarium.

 

We headed out to the harbor, strolling around the water and even taking a hike up Federal Hill to appreciate some of the architecture and available real estate!

 



 

We headed into the shops along the harbor, including the candy shop where they had laughable, oversized portions of popular candy bars, including my favorite: Sweettarts!

 

 

I didn't have any, but I had to take a picture in jest. As night fell, we took one more leisurely stroll around the harbor, before we headed back to the hotel.

 

 

 

The next day, we headed off in a northerly direction to Philadelphia. We had been to Philadelphia before, of course, but I wanted to run into IKEA quickly, and it's a great city.

 

We of course, made a stop at the Philadelphia Museum of Fine Art, where I ran those steps like a champ, showing Rocky a thing or two in my burlap Toms. Then we walked around the area, finding our way to Fairmount and the Eastern State Penitentiary, now a museum. They were closing up for the night, so we didn't get to tour - something I'm sure we'll make plans to do next time, but the restaurant across the street was intriguing.





 





Situated perfectly inside of an old firehouse, Jack's Firehouse was a visual delight. Dark and moody, the food was amazing. I had their pulled pork piled high on corn chips seasoned with a blend of powdered spices, and their bone-sucking ribs. If you're ever in the area - I highly recommend it! After dinner, we went to the King of Prussia mall for a little retail therapy, and then back to the hotel.

 

The next day we were heading back to CDLV, but before we did that, we stopped off at Winterthur to make use of our Member passes. I could tour the house over, and over and over again. And have! In fact, blogging about it several times, here and here and here and here. This time we did a short tour, the introductory, which is free to members and takes about 45 minutes. On this tour, you get to see my favorite room in the house:

 

 

The Chinese parlor. This room was created around the wallpaper that Mr. DuPont found in Paris, although the paper had been hand painted in China. He brought the paper back to this house in the Brandywine Valley and had his architect create the room, size, height, and coved ceiling around the exact size available from the purchased paper. The rest of the room is filled with fine early American antiques and slipcovered furniture. You can see better pictures of this room, and read more history from the links above.

 

We got home last night, late, and fell into bed. Today started like any other day before we snuck away. Full of things to do, and people to see! If only we could afford to live like tourists 365-days a year!