The Oxford Companion to Gardens (Oxford Companions) Book

This unique volume covers the history and design of gardens across the globe--from the earliest known examples to the present day. The first comprehensive work on the history and design of gardens available, the Companion was written by a team of 170 expert contributors and edited by leading specialists in the field of landscape architecture. Boasting over 1,500 entries and 250 black and white illustrations, it includes articles on roof gardens, water gardens, secret gardens, and other special types of gardens. It contains essays on garden elements such as fountains, grottoes, herbaceous borders, hedges and follies, and accounts of garden history in individual countries. Definitions of English and foreign-language garden terms are given, as well as biographies of designers, patrons, plant-collectors, and garden enthusiasts. Also included is information on landscape gardening, public parks, and international exhibitions.The most comprehensive work of its kind, this Companion will appeal to anyone interested in landscape architecture, design, or in finding ideas on how to make their outdoor space truly magical.Read More