- Author: Lanie Keystone
Happiest of Holidays and Warmest Greetings for a Healthy and Wonderful New Year!
It seems there's no better way to begin the New Year than with plans for a new adventure. To help us along, the American Horticultural Society has compiled one adventure after another in their two part volume, Gardens Across America. (ISBN 1-58979-296-3 $19.95). Written by Thomas S. Spencer and John J. Russell, this overflowing compendium, subtitled Guide to American Public Gardens and Arboretums, is just that…overflowing with detailed, irresistible information about touring our nation's gardens.
They've divided the two volumes geographically—East of the Mississippi and West of the Mississippi. The book that I keep close at hand is, of course, Volume II, the western edition. It's perfect for planning a long jaunt or just jumping in the car for a fun, spontaneous day-trip. Volume I sits expectantly on my travel book shelf just waiting to help us discover eastern gardens.
Take a look at a map (or remember your 7th grade geography), and you'll be able to follow the course that Volume II ambles through--beginning with Alaska, Arizona and Arkansas--meandering along Louisiana, Minnesota and South Dakota—and ending with the gardens of Utah, Washington and Wyoming. 24 states in all are covered in Volume II. Of course, California is beautifully represented, from Anaheim—(yes, there's more to Anaheim than Disneyland)—clear through to Woodside.
Each state's garden/arboretum tour is introduced with state and regional maps showing the locations of each site. The specific entries for each garden notes pertinent information including address, website, admission & parking fees, days and hours of operation, activities, special facilities, gift shops, accessibility, etc. Each also includes the authors' narrative about areas of particular interest at the site, as well as the history and specialties of the garden. It's fun to come across some little-known, surprise sites and universities are also included.
Images are few and in black and white, but this isn't meant to be a pretty coffee table book. It's meant to be used, dog –eared, underlined, written in and cherished until an updated volume comes along. You can find it in our Solano County Library system, but, what a wonderful way to use one of those gift cards you just received to Amazon or Barnes & Noble! Looking forward to hearing about your latest New Year garden tour adventures.