Chasing Eden: Design Inspiration from the Gardens at Hortulus Farm

by Jack Staub, Renny Reynolds, Rob Cardillo (Photographer)

Overview

“Vision, tenacity, and a perfectionist’s eye are the qualities that shine out from this account of a paradise garden created by two of America’s foremost stylists.” —Anna Pavord, author of The Curious Gardener and Landskipping

One of the most spectacular private gardens in America, Hortulus Farm is the masterpiece of Renny Reynolds and Jack Staub, renowned experts in the fields of design, gardening, and entertaining. It is beautifully captured in Chasing Eden, a lavishly illustrated roadmap to creating a personal Eden.

Hortulus Farm is a not only a model of classical tenets, but also a showcase of how traditions can be successfully broken. Gardeners will discover information on specific design principles, from vistas and allées to hardscaping and water features. They will also learn how to adapt these principles to less-than-optimal settings without sacrificing a site’s sense of place. Both aspirational and practical, Chasing Eden will inspire home gardeners to create their own earthly paradise.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781604698732
Publisher:	Timber Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	01/07/2020
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	660,673
Product dimensions:	7.60(w) x 10.60(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Jack Staub, popular lecturer, playwright, and avid gardener, is widely considered to be one of the country’s leading experts on edible gardening. His celebrated vegetable, herb, and fruit gardens at Hortulus Farm have been featured in a wide variety of magazines as well as a series of books.

Renny Reynolds, founder of Renny & Reed in New York City, is one of the nation’s most renowned entertaining, gardening, and lifestyle experts. His definitive book, The Art of the Party, is known as the party-planner’s bible, and his event and garden designs have been featured in shelter, garden, and lifestyle magazines.
 

Table of Contents

Introduction 9

1 The Lay of the Land 18

2 Long Views: Vista & Axis 36

3 Land Crafting & Hardscape 62

4 Water Features 94

5 Woodlands 120

6 Open Spaces 146

7 Palette & Planting 172

8 Themed Gardens 198

9 Edible Gardens 220

Reflection 248

Index 268

Editorial Reviews

Jack Staub and Renny Reynolds embody all the traits that one sees in the very best gardeners—fearlessness, passion, and an indefatigable desire to create a very personal version of paradise. Hortulus Farm is set squarely and joyfully at the intersection of man and nature.” —James Brayton Hall, president and CEO, The Garden Conservancy
 
“Vision, tenacity, and a perfectionist’s eye are the qualities that shine out from this account of a paradise garden created by one of America’s foremost stylists. This is a thrilling and inspiring story.” —Anna Pavord, author of The Curious Gardener and Landskipping
 
“A fabulous adventure in armchair gardening—all of the pleasure and none of the backache!” —Jinny Blom, landscape gardener and author of The Thoughtful Gardener
 
“Jack and Renny have set the stage for others to be inspired by their design excellence and story. Chasing Eden is not only a beautiful book; it will serve as a template for generations of future gardeners to create their very own Garden of Eden.” —Paul B. Redman, president and CEO, Longwood Gardens

“Gorgeous.”—Antiques Gardens Birmingham

“A true story that will make your heart sing and your thumb itch to begin planting…read this and reap the enthusiasm, and you’ll be ready to chase your own Eden right from your backyard.” —The News Tribune

“Staub and Reynolds provide gardening inspiration, entertaining reading, and horticultural education in a title that a wide range of hobbyists, garden historians, and design professionals should enjoy.” —Library Journal

“A rich and thought-provoking exploration of the why and how of garden making that will interest anyone whose spirits soar with a good garden visit.” —The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries

“The book’s advice is generous, and it’s authors put forth that it is meant for gardeners of any ability and gardens of any size.” —Horticulture
 

From the Publisher

02/14/2020

Staub (Private Gardens of South Florida, Alluring Lettuces) and Reynolds (The Art of the Party, coauthored with Staub) offer a history of their 100-acre, 18th-century farmstead, located in Bucks County, PA. Purchased in 1979, the property became an Affiliate Garden of the Garden Conservancy in 2015. This book traces how two urban transplants transformed their original 15-acre "unruly" property into a destination farm, garden, and museum that is now open to the public. The authors' stated intention is to show the average gardener examples of how to use fundamental principles of classic garden design along with rule-bending strategies when needed. Each chapter covers how basic rules of design have been adapted to unique conditions and challenging situations. Useful lists of "Do's and Don'ts" summarize the key points of each section. The authors humbly share their frustrations and failures along their path to success. Stunning photos add impact and appeal. VERDICT Staub and Reynolds provide gardening inspiration, entertaining reading, and horticultural education in a title that a wide range of hobbyists, garden historians, and design professionals should enjoy.—Deborah A. Broocker, Georgia Perimeter Coll. Lib., Dunwoody

Library Journal