Creating a Garden Retreat: An Artist's Guide to Planting an Outdoor Sanctuary

Virginia Johnson's garden is a personal, carefree, wild, and welcoming space that has been transformed from a small, narrow city lot into a city-dwellers "secret garden." Hornbeams are the heroes of the garden, and the overall palette reflects an artist's lens. The book is organized into clear chapters, encouraging readers to start their own garden journeys.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2022
Publisher: Artisan

A garden is a tapestry of beauty and wonder, transcending the mere sum of its individual elements. It is a canvas upon which one can paint their dreams, a sanctuary where one can find solace and tranquility. What truly matters is that a garden possesses a soul, a heart that resonates with the essence of nature. Through ethereal illustrations and captivating storytelling, textile designer and artist Virginia Johnson invites us on her personal garden journey, from a blank slate to a dreamscape.

Over the years, she has transformed a small, narrow city lot into a sanctuary that is brimming with personality, freedom, and a touch of wildness. It all began with the installation of a fence, a gesture that allowed her children to play without boundaries while ensuring their safety. This humble beginning has blossomed into a hidden gem, a city dweller's "secret garden."

Hornbeams, with their graceful and elegant shape, take center stage in her garden, serving as the heroes of this artistic masterpiece. The overall palette reflects an artist's lens, with an abundance of peonies, hollyhocks, roses, and hydrangeas gracing every corner. Johnson's process is a testament to her ease and clarity, as she effortlessly brings her ideas to life through a combination of words and illustrations.

This book is meticulously organized into clear chapters, each dedicated to a specific aspect of gardening. From Trees & Shrubs to Vines, Flowers, Seasons, Edibles, and beyond, readers are guided on a journey of discovery and inspiration. Johnson's words and illustrations serve as a beacon, encouraging and empowering individuals to embark on their own garden journeys.

In conclusion, A Garden of One's Own is a testament to the transformative power of nature and the boundless possibilities that lie within us. It is a celebration of the human spirit and a reminder that we can create beauty and harmony in our surroundings, no matter the size or location of our space. Through Virginia Johnson's captivating illustrations and inspiring words, we are invited to embrace the magic of gardening and embark on our own journeys of discovery and growth.

Dimension: 235 x 159 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781648290022