Sunnylands, Palm Springs, California. Photo Credit: Derry Moore
For years, Britain’s much-loved gardener Monty Don has been leading us down all kinds of garden paths to show us why green spaces are vital to our wellbeing and culture. Now, he travels across America with celebrated photographer Derry Moore to trace the fascinating histories of outdoor spaces which epitomize or redefine the American garden.
In AMERICAN GARDENS, the book which complements the BBC television series, they look at a variety of gardens and outdoor spaces at the centre of American history including the slave garden at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello Estate, Longwood Gardens in Delaware, and Middleton Place in South Carolina.
Together Monty & Derry visit verdant oases designed by modernist architects such as Richard Neutra. They delve into urban outdoor spaces, looking at New York City’s Central Park, Lurie Garden at the southern end of Millennium Park in Chicago, and the Seattle Spheres.
Derry Moore gives his unique perspective on gardens across the United States, including several not featured in the TV series. These include unpublished photographs of Bob Hope’s Palm Springs home and garden of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Fallingwater, Mill Run, Pennsylvania. Photo Credit: Derry Moore
Featuring luscious photography and engaging commentary, AMERICAN GARDENS will leave you with a richer understanding of how America’s most important gardens came to be designed.
American Gardens by Monty Don and Derry More is published on 4th July by Prestel £35, pre-orders available here.
