“Great Gardens of America” is the book that American garden lovers have been waiting for. By renowned garden historian Tim Richardson, this features 300 lush color photos by Andrea Jones. It was released by Frances Lincoln Limited.

This remarkable title profiles 25 of America’s most exquisite gardens. It will have special appeal for anyone with an interest in garden history. This spans a tremendous period in garden history from colonial times to the present day.

This book can also serve as a starting point for those who are planning visits. Though some of the gardens are private, most are open to the public. In addition, this title is an excellent choice for armchair travelers as well.

All areas of the U.S. receive attention in this much-awaited book. In addition, two of the gardens are located in Canada.

The lengthy, in-depth garden profiles offer a leisurely ramble through each site. Along the way readers can learn all about the history and background of each garden along with details about the designer’s career. This gives readers time to absorb what is unique about each garden. The profiles emphasize the various areas and features of each garden and the sights and sounds that visitors can experience. Some of the photos offer breathtaking views of the gardens at night.

This title features many popular public gardens here. These include Middleton Place, Monticello, Longwood, Dumbarton Oaks, and Chanticleer. In addition, there are private and lesser known gardens, such as that of plantsman Dan Hinckley.

This volume profiles the work of many leading garden designers and landscape architects past and present. Among these are Thomas Jefferson, Beatrix Farrand, and Fletcher Steele as well as cutting edge contemporary designers, such as Wolfgang Oehme and James van Sweden.

In the introduction, the author explains what makes American gardens unique.

Gardeners will find this is an inspirational title for it offers ideas we can use in our own gardens. Whatever your climate or hardiness zone, this book has gardens and landscapes with creative ideas.

The table of contents lists each garden and its geographic location. For quick reference, there’s a complete index listing the people, the gardens, and the plant species mentioned in the book.

Richardson is author of numerous other garden books. He also writes for a number of newspapers and magazines.

Jones is an award winning garden photographer with a number of books to her credit. Her photographs have appeared in magazines all over the world. The large format does justice to the gardens. Many of the photos take up two pages.