In A Mexican Garden: Courtyards, Pools, and Open-Air Living Rooms [Paperback]

Gina Hyams (Author), Melba Levick (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2005

The team behind the best-selling Mexicolor and Mexicasa has unlocked the gates to Mexico's patios, courtyards, and walled gardens. From private homes to luxurious resorts, In A Mexican Garden celebrates Mexico's hidden oases where lovers meet for margaritas at sunset and families gather for spirited fiestas. The dazzling array of featured properties includes rustic coastal hideaways, elegant Spanish Colonial mansions, rural haciendas, and Modernist architectural masterpieces. Melba Levick's stunning photographs capture page after vibrant page of bold Mexican design elements: swirling mosaic floors, elaborate frescoes, hand-carved stone fountains, and lush native plants. Gina Hyams' informative text explains the historic roots of these uniquely Mexican outdoor spaces. Garden design enthusiasts, fans of Mexico, and anyone who appreciates a siesta in the sun need only open this book to hear the quiet babble of fountains and glasses clinking to toast another beautiful sunset.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Melba Levick has published more than 40 photography books on travel, architecture, and design, including Mexicolor (0-8118-1893-4) and Mexicasa (0-8118-2806-9). She lives in Los Angeles and Paris. Gina Hyams is the author of several books on travel, tradition, and the arts, including Incense (0-8118-3993-1). She lives in Northern California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (May 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811841308
• ISBN-13: 978-0811841306
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #557,810 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Summary of Mexican Gardens, February 27, 2006

By 

R. Spell "raspell" (Memphis, TN USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: In A Mexican Garden: Courtyards, Pools, and Open-Air Living Rooms (Paperback)

I'm in the process of building on the Maya Riviera so this is important research looking for real ideas. Building in Spanish Colonial style is conducive to gardens and courtyards and we are fortunate to have two courtyards and many different type patios and open air spaces to design.

This book has so many ideas it's incredible! I have many pages marked for further discussion. Even if I weren't investigating for decorating ideas this is still a coffee table book that I would be very proud to display in my house. You won't be disappointed if you enjoy viewing these type spaces. There is no detail of how the gardens were built and the type flowers but fortunately that's not of as much interest to me as just viewing the many ideas.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Photography, but......., August 21, 2005

By 

Cathy A. Smith "Art and Design" (Port Hueneme, CA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: In A Mexican Garden: Courtyards, Pools, and Open-Air Living Rooms (Paperback)

This book has lots of beautiful photography and is a wonderful source for inspiration. I would have liked to have seen more private home gardens on a smaller scale and less large elaborate hotel and resort settings. After all, most of us are working on a less grand space. But, all and all, the book is colorful and exciting and motivates one to get out in that garden and give it some personality.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful pictures of gardens - no garden info, August 16, 2005

By 

Susan Cupp (La Palma, CA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: In A Mexican Garden: Courtyards, Pools, and Open-Air Living Rooms (Paperback)

A beautiful book with wonderful pictures and many great ideas. I would have liked more written descriptions about the type of plants used. After all, the title says "Garden" I purchased two books and gave one as a gift to a friend building a ranch house in Mexico. She loved it.