First and foremost, let me state that this book was written by one of my closest and best-loved friends. Yet in spite of my obvious bias, this is the perfect Christmas holiday reading or present giving book – it may even change your perceptions of gardens altogether and inspire you to grow your own!
This book documents, but does not exclusively, the creation of a garden filled with art: Glen Villa Art Garden in North Hatley, Quebec: an area consisting of lakefront property, farm fields, woodlands and even an old-growth forest section.
Imagine garden sculptures randomly scattered about in an otherwise undisciplined setting like many “Sculpture Gardens”, without the burden of obscure pieces that bewilder your brain – instead, this book provides the backstories behind all these pieces, along with events or historical references which inspired them. Plus the practical considerations involved with making or commissioning them.
Sometimes they take inspiration directly from another garden and work, like one of my favorites ‘The Writing is On The Wall, originally seen at Broadwoodside with its cut plaster wall surface.
Glen Villa Art Garden is writing its success story!
Pat made her version shine neon light as a surprise gift for her husband on their fiftieth wedding anniversary: the cursive letters bring back memories of our years living during China’s Cultural Revolution as well as celebrate his work as editor and writer.
Pat began her garden making journey as an unsatisfied conventional gardener who realized the immense creative possibilities available through gardening.
Autobiography of a Garden Patterson Webster2
Pat and I shared an unexpected, joyful discovery when we realized we’d both been inspired in our garden making by Julie Moir Messervy’s 1995 publication of The Inward Garden; another must-read on your Christmas wishlist!
