Glorious Indoor Gardens [Hardcover]

Michele Driscoll Alioto (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2002

Noted garden designer, Michelle Alioto, presents thirteen of America's most unique indoor landscapes. Exploring a wide variety of planting possibilities and garden styles, she focuses on the design, history, and family use of each site.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Michele Driscoll Alioto, garden writer and host of The Inside Dirt on HGTV, and photographer John M. Hall showcase the Glorious Indoor Gardens of 13 talented practitioners. Although more of an appreciation than a how-to, this celebration provides advice on the ways these grand displays can be adapted for common houses. By examining diverse environments such as a West Palm Beach loggia, a desert landscape in Arizona, a water garden in Houston housing championship koi and rooftop greenhouses, Alioto offers a wide range of possibilities.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Stewart, Tabori and Chang (April 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1584791934
• ISBN-13: 978-1584791935
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 9.4 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #978,496 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Glorious Writing, Glorious Photography, Glorious Gardens, April 18, 2002

By 

Anne (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Glorious Indoor Gardens (Hardcover)

In an era of compromised writing and substandard visual accents in books, this one stands out as a gem not to be missed. Glorious Indoor Gardens is meticulously researched and beautifully written. It highlights gardens across the United States which are characterized by the fact that they are, well, indoors.

If you are not familiar with the author, Miclele Driscoll Alioto, she is the host of HGTV's "The Inside Dirt". I have also read several articles she has written for the San Francisco Chronicle Home and Garden section, where I believe she is a regular columnist.

Alioto structured the book creatively. She clearly spent time interviewing the subjects of the book and has written fascinating profiles of these gardeners (seriously, you want to meet each and every one of these people and have dinner with them!) and the diverse gardens they have developed (small spaces, large spaces, urban, country - one even features a floor made out of sand!)

Glorious Indoor Gardens also provides quality gardening information and tips. You can tell that the author is well-versed and educated about practical gardening, and presents these hints and suggestions in a clear manner.

In addition to the useful, culturally diverse and interesting content, Alioto's book is absolutely gorgeous. It is well presented and the photographs are stunning. Truly, one receives a glimpse into the lives of the gardeners and their gardens. This book is phenominal - I have never been so intuitively moved by a book on gardening. I think it is because so many of my gardening books are either too dry and factual, or they are too heavily reliant on the beauty of the photographs, and the text suffers.

This one really stands out. I have already purchased several copies for friends, gardeners and non-gardeners alike, as gifts. I brought one copy to cheer up a friend who is currently in the hospital recovering from a serious procedure, and who is slightly depressed. She called me bubbling with excitement - I hadn't heard a smile in her voice for a long time. Reading this book, and looking at the beautiful pictures, lifted her spirits and momentarily took her mind off of her pain. Now, she can't wait to get home and start gardening again!

I highly recommend this book to you, even if you are not an avid gardener. This is the first time I have ever posted a book review, and give it a HUGE thumbs-up, it is really not one to be missed and is one of a kind. I can't wait for her to write another!

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful, well-written book anyone would love!, April 17, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Glorious Indoor Gardens (Hardcover)

I am always on the lookout for great books I can give as gifts. One I found recently is Glorious Indoor Gardens by Michele Driscoll Alioto. The book is exceptionally informative, and provides a wealth of practical ideas for anyone interested in gardening, regardless of level of expertise. On top of that, it has some great pictures of spectacular gardens! I put it on my coffee table and all of my guests have commented on how amazing the gardens are. It is a great addition to any household, both as a flip-through picture book and an informative reference guide. I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates the beautiful things in life!

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful and Informative read!, April 18, 2011

By 

regina callan (SAN FRANCISCO, CA, US) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Glorious Indoor Gardens (Hardcover)

Glorious Indoor Gardens continues to be one of my favorite go to books for inspiration and as a gift. Not only does Michele Driscoll Alioto bring you into some of the most spectacular hidden treasures in the country but she also gives great tips and ideas to bring an indoor garden into your own home. I often give this book as a housewarming or hostess gift because it is beautiful to display and a pleasure to read. This truly beautiful book is great for anyone who wishes to be inspired!