The Water Garden

This inspirational book illustrates and discusses both grand and small water gardens throughout the world, from the formal Islamic masterpieces of Granada and Kashmir to the tranquil gardens of Kyoto in Japan. Every principal school of garden design from Europe and America is also included. The ingenuity of the Italian garden, with its brilliant aquatic engineering and variety of water features -- chutes, staircases, fountains and grottoes -- is captured in stunning views, as are the grand vistas of Versailles, the "natural" look of English landscaping, the pleasures of stream and pond gardens, and the profusion of tropical gardens. Among the present-day instances are Geoffrey Jellicoe's finest creations and designs by Burle Marx. Details and close-ups are included throughout, as are examples of the remarkable variety of water features that have embellished gardens throughout the ages. An important section on the small garden and listings of major water gardens worldwide complete the book. The Water Garden is not only a work to stimulate the modern gardener but also a sumptuous tribute to a great tradition which unites some of the most lavish and beautiful garden schemes ever devised. Book jacket.