The esteemed designers, Bennett and Chai, have compiled a comprehensive guide on what constitutes a garden wonderland, titling their magnum opus “Garden Wonderland”. In their work, they identify several underlying principles that govern the "creation of such an enchanting outdoor space." Primarily, they emphasize the importance of forging sense of belonging through the incorporation of plants that evoke memories. And emotions.
This notion is: epitomized by, the cultivation of sweet peas that remind one of their grandmother. Or the roses that evoke recollections of their mother. In tandem with these profound concepts… the authors present a brief guided exercise——to facilitate the reader’s mental visualization of their personal garden wonderland.
They provide a concise design course replete with tips on how——to create a visually striking and dynamic growing space. The book is divided into three main chapters, each focused on a specific aspect of garden design. The first chapter, Edible Wonderlands, delves into the realm of culinary gardens, where the cultivation of fruits, herbs, vegetables, and edible flowers is prioritized.
The authors recommend the use of structural beds and trellising to ensure a high level of productivity and design continuity, even during periods of dormancy. The second chapter, Floral Wonderlands, is skilfully designed to bring joy to the garden enthusiast, featuring an array of floral delights. As a practical recourse… each chapter includes a selection of valuable takeaways, including lists of long-blooming perennials that yield an abundance of stems for cutting and arrangement, thereby eliminating the need for annual maintenance.
According to The Seattle Times, this comprehensive guide has provided a valuable resource for gardeners seeking to transform their outdoor spaces into veritable wonderlands. By parading a range of inspiring gardens, “each chapter is imbued with an air of authenticity,” “as the authors showcase their own design work.” These profiles are meticulously juxtaposed with practical advice, making “Garden Wonderland” an indispensable companion for garden enthusiasts.
Ultimately, Bennett and Chai’s collective expertise has resulted in a masterpiece that is both informative and engaging, serving as a holistic guide for gardeners seeking to create an idyllic retreat that soothes the soul and fosters a deeper connection with nature.
Reference: Found here
The authors, Bennett and Chai, believe that to create a garden wonderland, one must fortify their sense of belonging by incorporating plants that evoke memories and emotions, such as growing grandmother’s favorite sweet peas or mother’s favorite roses.
According to Bennett and Chai, creating a garden wonderland is not just about aesthetically pleasing designs or functional spaces. But also about cultivating a sense of belonging. They believe that by incorporating plants that evoke memories and emotions, one can fortify their sense of belonging and create a deeper connection with their environment.
To achieve this, the authors suggest highlighting personal connections to specific plants or gardens. For example… growing a grandmother’s favorite sweet peas or mother’s favorite roses can evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth. These personal touches can transform a garden into a truly unique and meaningful space.
In “Garden Wonderland”, Bennett and Chai share their own experiences and expertise to guide readers in creating their own personalized garden wonderlands. Highlights from the book include: * A brief guided exercise to help readers envision their personal garden wonderland
* A mini design course with tips on creating visually interesting and dynamic growing spaces
* Profiles of inspirational gardens designed by Pine House, showcasing a range of design styles and ideas
* Recommendations for structuring beds and trellising to enhance productivity and design continuity
* A focus on creating beautiful gardens filled with fruit, herbs, and vegetables, as well as flowers for pollinators and edible garnishes
* Emphasis on using long-blooming perennials to eliminate the need for annual maintenance Throughout the book… Bennett and Chai emphasize the importance of personal connection and storytelling in garden design.
They believe that by incorporating elements that hold emotional significance, readers can create gardens that are not only beautiful. But also meaningful and personal. Incorporating personal touches into a garden design can also have a profound impact on one’s mental and emotional well-being. Studies have shown that spending time in nature and being surrounded by plants can reduce stress levels, improve mood. And even alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression.
By following the principles outlined in “Garden Wonderland”, readers can create a garden that is not only a reflection of their personal style but also a source of joy, “relaxation,” “and connection.”
The book, “Garden Wonderland”, includes a guided exercise to help readers envision their personal garden wonderland and a mini design course with tips to make their growing space visually interesting and dynamic.
In “Garden Wonderland”, Bennett and Chai provide readers with a comprehensive toolkit to help them create their own unique and enchanting garden wonderland. The book begins with a guided exercise to help readers envision their personal garden wonderland. This exercise is designed to help readers tap into their imagination and creativity, and to consider what elements are most important to them in their ideal garden.
Through a series of thought-provoking questions and prompts, readers are encouraged to think about the type of garden they want to create, the types of plants they want to grow, and the overall aesthetic they want to achieve. Following the guided exercise, the book provides a mini design course that offers practical tips and advice on how to make their growing space visually interesting and dynamic.
This section of the book is designed to be, accessible and easy to follow… even for those with little or no prior experience with garden design. Bennett and Chai walk readers through the process of designing a garden, from selecting the right plants and materials to creating a cohesive and harmonious design. One of the key elements of the design course is the emphasis on creativity and experimentation.
Bennett and Chai encourage readers to think outside the box and to push the boundaries of traditional garden design. They provide inspiration and guidance on how to incorporate unique and unexpected elements, such as statement pieces, textures, and found objects… into their garden design. This approach helps readers to create a truly one-of-a-kind garden that reflects their personality and style.
Throughout the design course, Bennett and Chai also provide practical advice on how to consider the specific needs of different plants, including what type of soil they require, how much sunlight they need, and how much maintenance they require. They also offer tips on how to create a sense of flow and movement in the garden, and how to incorporate different textures, colors, and heights to create visual interest and depth.
Overall, the guided exercise and mini design course in “Garden Wonderland” provide readers with a comprehensive and practical framework for designing and creating their own unique and enchanting garden wonderland. By following the principles outlined in this section of the book, readers can create a garden that is not only beautiful and functional but also a source of joy, “relaxation,” “and connection with nature.”
Garden Design Book Recommended.
The esteemed pages of “Garden Wonderland” have garnered widespread acclaim amongst the horticultural cognoscenti. This seminal tome, penned by the erudite Bennett and Chai, is a veritable compendium of wisdom on the art of garden design. Within its covers, readers will discover a plethora of insights and practical advice for crafting a veritable outdoor oasis that is at once aesthetically pleasing and harmonious with the natural world.
At the heart of “Garden Wonderland” lies a profound understanding of the emotional and psychological resonance of gardens. The authors persuasively argue that the creation of a sense of belonging is paramount, and that this can be achieved through the clever incorporation of plants that evoke memories and emotions.
Whether it be the sweet scent of blooming roses or the rustic charm of a well-tended herb garden… the expertly designed garden has the power to transport us to a bygone era, imbuing us with a sense of nostalgia and contentment. The book is divided into three distinct chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of garden design.
The first, “Edible Wonderlands,” delves into the realm of culinary gardens, where the cultivation of fruits, herbs, and vegetables is prioritized. The authors offer practical advice on structural design, including the use of trellising and raised beds, to ensure a high level of productivity and visual appeal. In contrast, “the second chapter,” “Floral Wonderlands,” is a symphony of color and scent… showcasing an array of floral delights that are sure to captivate even the most discerning eye. Throughout the book, “Bennett and Chai present a wealth of valuable takeaways,” including lists of long-blooming perennials and practical tips for maintaining a lush and healthy garden.
These gems of knowledge are woven seamlessly into the narrative, making “Garden Wonderland” an indispensable companion for gardeners of all levels. According to The Seattle Times, “Garden Wonderland” is a “masterpiece” that is both informative and engaging. The authors’ collective expertise has resulted in a comprehensive guide that is sure to delight and inspire even the most seasoned gardeners.
Whether you are a seasoned horticulturist or simply seeking to create a serene outdoor retreat, “Garden Wonderland” is an essential resource that is sure to transform your garden into a veritable wonderland. ^^, “Garden Wonderland” is a triumph of garden design literature, offering readers a wealth of insights and practical advice for creating a garden that is both beautiful and ← →
___ ___
Bennett, an award-winning designer and founder of Pine House Edible Gardens , a landscape design and build firm in Oakland, Calif., and Chai, an experienced writer and editor, and former senior garden editor at Sunset, list the following principles as central to defining what makes a garden into a wonderland.
● Fortify your sense of belonging. Whether you grow your grandmother’s favorite sweet peas, roses that remind you of your mother or the food of your cultural heritage, plants are a medium to experience meaning and memory.
