The English Landscape Garden: Dreaming of Arcadia by Tim Richardson

The idea of the English garden has always appealed to me as much as afternoon tea and British weather. Culturally different to the laid out geometric gardens in continental Europe, the English garden uses the natural landscape more, so it obviously fits with our climate. Therefore, when this book appeared I knew that I would love it. And I do.

Dreaming of Arcadia is an appropriate subheading. Many of these gardens incorporate stately homes, castles (or remains of) and hills and woodlands – you know, real landscape. If these things are not actually IN the garden then they can be seen as beautiful views. There are lakes, bridges, statues and follies giving the land a luxurious dream-like feel quality. Add to that the lawns are always perfectly manicured. Heavenly.

The gardens are from the Enlightenment picturesque period of the eighteenth century when  gardens became more natural and open, and these are perfectly portrayed by the stunning colour photographs in this book. Twenty gardens are listed (nineteen from England and one from Wales) with clear information about the site, architecture and the designer and other fascinating bits of information, including garden maps. Would be a good guide to have on hand when visiting these gardens as there are directions and what to look out for, and  wonderful details about each statue and structure. Very interesting and readable appealing to everyone.

Full of history and awe, this stunning book is perfect for those interested in gardens, heritage, travel and grand designs. Something to dip into when the weather gets you down. Even if you only have a small garden with just a few pots of geraniums, this book is inspirational.