gardening and horticulture

I agree that Paradise Found is very New York-centric, but I guess I thought that was the point: If you can grow it in a bucket on a terrace in sooty old NYC, you ought to be able to grow it anywhere. I found plenty of great ideas to apply to my desert garden in New Mexico, and didn't feel a bit slighted, geographically. (On the other hand, that Mason-Dixon thing IS a problem.) All-in-all a beautiful book with plenty of great design ideas and a few glaring glitches. Isn't it nice it was discounted?

My favorite thing about both of Rebecca Cole's books is that she does not make the art of gardening and design seem too precious or difficult for the average lay person. Both of her books inspire confidence in those of us who think we have a pretty good sense of style but never went to RISDE or a school for Botany. She tells lovely anecdotes about people like you and me who are inspired by her work and go back to their own cement rooftops or scraggly backyards and create paradise where once there was none. Her writing is lively, funny and informative. I can honestly say that I have never read a gardening book from cover to cover with the exception of this one and her previous book POTTED GARDENS.

Aside from the wonderful writing, this book is filled with beautiful images. The smoky style of photographer Helen Norman works perfectly with Rebecca's sophisticated and sometimes whimsical designs. I have given this book to a slew of friends and family. Without fail they tell me how the book inspired them to try gardening and design ideas that they had never before considered. I can't wait to see what Rebecca Cole will do next.

Paradise found is not just a guidebook for gardening. It is an outstanding piece of art! Usually you get a lot of tips and howto's from ordinary gardening books. But this book totally changed my aspect in designing my balcony garden. It gives you various ideas for total cordination and concept of your garden design. Rebecca Cole's artistic sense is extraordinary and very inspiring. This book is a MUST OWN! Very beautiful photographs, too!