Customer Reviews

Bold Romantic Gardens: The New World Landscape of Oehme and Van Sweden

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I first met the landscape architects James Van Sweden and Wolfgang Oehme in the early eighties in Washington, DC while in school as a designer and working for a contractor. I believe that they have done more for the field of landscape design than anyone for decades previously. Their extensive and creative use of ornamental grasses and perennials has transformed garden design in this country. Their gardens in and around Washington DC area are like no others. This is really contemporary design with an emphasis on the year round beauty of all plants. The book is by far the BEST GARDEN BOOK YOU WILL EVER OWN. The photography is also the best of any garden book I have ever seen (see also Ken Druse). I cannot say enough about these two landscape architect or the remarkable book. I have the first edition (which I am having trouble locating, so I might have to buy the new one). Trust me on this one.

I am absolutely positive that you cannot go wrong with this book, or any other by these two incredible designers. With an emphasis on ornamental grasses and very "naturalistic" design styles that are beautiful year round, you'll have a hard time putting this one down. Photographs are absolutely beautiful!! You will definitely not be dissapointed!!!

The greatest gardening book ever written is back in print!Bold,Romantic Gardens is Wolfgang Oehme`s & James vanSweden`s manifesto to mankind.Within you`ll discover the most refreshing viewpoint and supporting design principals ever offered.No matter where, or in what style you garden no other book will provide as much inspiration and food for thought as Bold Romantic Gardens!

This book is a wonderful addition to any Landscape Architects shelf, the photographs emphasize the technique used by these two talented designers, and the pictorial key to their frequently used plant material acts as a springboard for your own interpretation on these very modern, yet naturalistic designs.

When I initially bought this book, I was disappointed that it appeared to mostly concern very large gardens and public venues. However, after a few years and thousands of dollars of plants later, I consider this book to be a great value for medium to small gardens.

This is a great idea book- or lovely gift for a gardening friend. The illustrations are lovely. There are gardens from various climates, formal and informal- If you buy it for a gift, you may not want to give it up.