Two books

Dear medit gardeners,

Jan Smithen sent me a copy of her delightful new  book, "The Sun Drenched
Garden". It is just about all we have been discussing-promoting- advising in
this list over the last years. It sings the joys of gardening in our
climate(s), presenting many beautiful gardens, form the famous , historical
estates to the small private ones, (great photos!) and commenting their
layout, planting ideas, plant material, use of decoration, garden features
etc.  Jan shows a deep understanding of the reasons behind the adoption of
any given garden element ( be it design, plants, walls or fountains), with
well-documented reference to garden history, local traditions, ecology. 
I found the photos really inspiring and stimulating as well.
The book  is a lovely read and a feast for the eyes, besides compelling very
rooted-in and residential gardeners, like me, to go leafing through tour
operators' leaflets, wishing I had more time to go garden-visiting...
There are also some photos of the Academy gardens, thank you Jan! (btw I
can't find your email, so I sent you a snail mail).

The other book I would like to present  is Lady Walton's one about her
garden at La Mortella, Ischia. It is called "La Mortella-an Italian garden
paradise", published in UK by New Holland, and distributed in US by
Antique's collector. The book is lavishly illustrated with more than 180
photos, and the text is packed with information on plants besides telling,
in Lady Walton's personal and witty style, the story of the creation and
developement of the garden. Be aware, th eisland of Ischia  is right in the
middle of the Med sea (in front of Naples) , but the garden ranges form
mediterranean to subtropical and Tropical.
 We (me and Lady W) were in US last month, and presented the book with a
lecture at the New York Botanic Garden - with great success! We are
considering now coming back for other lectures and book presentations, and
would welcome suggestions and invitations for other venues.

Ciao,
Alessandra
 

Alessandra Vinciguerra
Superintendent of the Gardens
American Academy in Rome
Via Masina,5
00153 Roma Italy
Tel. 39-6-5846444
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