Jewel Box Garden [Hardcover]

Hobbs, Southlands Nursery owner and plantsman extraordinaire, reigns over Vancouver's horticultural scene and exerts an indubitable presence throughout the Pacific Northwest and points beyond. His passion for daringly vibrant plant pairings blazed brightly in his first book, Shocking Beauty (1999). Now, in a brilliantly produced and gorgeously illustrated new tome, Hobbs holds forth on myriad ideas about garden design. From ornamentation and hardscaping to maximizing small spaces and issues of scale, Hobbs integrates practical observations and advice into an inspirational nexus, laying claim, in effect, to the role of a piper, calling upon gardeners to follow their dreams and tap into creative urges. Along with a message to dream big, green thumbs are encouraged to key in to their beloved plants to glean cultivation requirements; develop a discerning eye; learn about color; and revere any and all elements that form a unique statement of one's personal aesthetic. Vignettes showing Hobbs' spectacular house and its surrounding landscape exemplify a resonant philosophy that transcends gardening to encompass a talent for living life to its fullest. Alice Joyce
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

With provocative and highly original ideas and stunning photography, this book encourages gardeners to tap into their creativity. --This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if you could describe your garden as a jewel box full of beautiful plant treasures? In this sequel to the huge bestseller Shocking Beauty, garden guru Thomas Hobbs shows you how.

The Jewel Box Garden is a luscious, full-colour book that features 160 startling photos by renowned garden photographer David McDonald. In 12 chapters with titles such as "Gilding the Lily" and "Thinking Like a Plant," Hobbs explains his philosophy on gardening and life. In his own provocative way, he encourages people to tap into their creativity and build oases of peace in their hurried lives.

Thomas Hobbs is an internationally known expert on garden design. He runs Southlands Nursery in Vancouver, and his private garden has featured in many prominent magazines and on Martha Stewart Living. His first book was the bestselling Shocking Beauty. David McDonald has photographed gardens for numerous magazines.