The Gardens of the Vatican - Hardcover

Kooluris Dobbs, Linda; Dobbs, Kildare

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0711229708 ISBN 13: 9780711229709

Publisher: Frances Lincoln, 2009

Synopsis

Twenty-seven years in the making, The Gardens of the Vatican is a private photographic tour of eight centuries of "green thoughts in a green shade." Reflecting the general history of gardening, the several gardens in the Vatican span worlds — the Persian-influenced quadrant gardens of the Teuton Cemetery and the Secret garden (adorned with lemon-trees in pots) are joined by gardens in the Italian, French, and English styles. The book is also rich in anecdote and detail: Pope John XXIII liked to ramble along the pathways and chat with the gardeners whereas his predecessor, Pius XII, wanted solitude, so the gardeners were obliged to hide. There is a fragment of the Berlin Wall, a Chinese pavilion given by the Catholics of that country, and a gnarled old olive tree transplanted from Gethsemane in the Holy Land. This gorgeously illustrated book offers a fascinating and inspiring glimpse of a bachelors' refuge, through nearly a millennium of history.

About this title

About the Author:

Linda Kooluris Dobbs began her photographic record of the Vatican Gardens in 1981 with a very old and trustworthy Nikon F2. Her photographs have been published in The National Post and have been the subject of a major exhibition in Toronto in 2002. To visit Linda's website click hereKildare Dobbs was an award-winning essayist and poet, author of some 16 books including Running in Paradise, for which he was given the Governor General's Award. He was born in India to Irish parents and for many years has been Canadian. His work has been widely anthologized, and in 2000 he was invested with the Order of Ontario. He died in 2013.

Review:

This book is an essential addition to any garden bookshelf.San Diego Home

In a skillfully written survey of these sites, author and photographer Derek Fell walks the reader through the grounds after first detailing the design plan for each; he then provides powerful photographs that illustrate the features. Fell discusses the influence of Jens Jensen, Wright’s friend and mentor, who promoted indigenous planting; provides a listing of plants used in the gardens; and finally gives tips on garden design, taken from Wright's records. The National Gardner

About this edition

• Publisher: Frances Lincoln
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0711229708
• ISBN 13: 9780711229709
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160