This gorgeous book offers insight and creative project ideas for people wanting to set aside an area of the outdoors for relaxation and peace. The subtitle, "transform your outside space into a haven of calm and tranquility," has an undeniable appeal in this hurly-burly modern age.

Simplicity is the keyword here. Stephanie Donaldson's introduction starts the reader on the right foot, advising that it's better to take away garden clutter and fussy design to promote restfulness to the eye. Restricting the color palette is a good beginning, she advises.

The book offers historic techniques for designing soothing, emotionally satisying yardscapes: from the deceptively simple Japanese-style courtyard, to carefree plantings of prairie grasses and wildflowers.

The serene world painted by Peaceful Gardens is well-populated with elements lending an air of mystery, including arches, benches, winding pathways, outdoor artwork and beckoning, half-overgrown doorways.

Chapters on choosing soothing colors, delightful textures, fragrant appeal and unusual plays of light and shade make for a rich, multi-sensory reading experience. The sidebar lists of plants to select for these options are handy. Also helpful is the coda chapter on adding water elements, and selecting plants that rustle in the wind - the better to add the sense of soothing sound to your visual and olfactory haven.

For centuries, people flocked to sanctuaries for respite from their cares. Monasteries, tea gardens and even resort hotels understand the power of restful plantings to promote spiritual well-being. Now you can take these lessons home for your own personal retreat.

This would make a great book for the office (read a page when you want a break), or a wonderful gift for busy friends. It reminds us we need a place to restore our sanity and let cares fall away. As they say, "the more things change, the more they stay the same."

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Jill Florio, August 2003

Peaceful Gardens - transform your outside space into a haven of calm and tranquility, by Stephanie Donaldson, 2003, Ryland, Peters and Small.