Why do some gardens make us feel so wonderful, relaxed and refreshed? Using ideas based on ancient and modern practices, this book shows how you can uplift yourself and others in a serene setting designed for "unplugging" and relaxing. Whether you are intending to create a lovely garden or just thinking about a future outdoor haven, Heaven is a Garden will help you see your backyard in a whole new light and reawaken an awareness of the wonders of Nature.
"Simplicity, Sanctuary and Delight" is the guideline that noted landscape designer Jan Johnsen recommends in this elegantly written book. She draws on her 40 years in the profession and offers stunning visuals and specific ways to make a garden look glorious and feel harmonious at the same time. She reveals how to highlight a power spot, explores the lure of the sheltered corner, explains why a gate facing East is considered auspicious and suggests which trees you can use to impart a special atmosphere. Gardeners will also enjoy the chapters on the mysteries of color, a rock's resonance and the magic of water. All in all, this gem of a book is a thoroughly enjoyable guide that you will refer to over and over.
Jan Johnsen writes the popular 'Serenity in the Garden' blog and Facebook page. Her firm's website is www.johnsenlandscapes.com
www.serenityinthegarden.blogspot.com
Industry Reviews
Heaven is a Garden transports the reader with an exquisite combination of ancient garden design principles and twenty-first century creativity and innovation. A definite must for every nature and garden enthusiast. -Bente Hansen, author, energy healer
Heaven is a garden, and similarly, a garden is heaven. Jan Johnsen brought heaven, beauty and tranquility to my own garden. She's the best! -John T. Mickel, Curator of Ferns Emeritus, New York Botantical Garden; Author of Ferns for American Gardens
Mixing little known, fascinating facts with a sense of wonder about the environment, Jan Johnsen guides us through proven techniques to infuse serenity in our gardens. She begins with an explanation of three simple words: simplicity, sanctuary and delight - the basis for creating gardens that inspire us and provide a place for reflection. With so many other good suggestions in this book as well, anyone who designs gardens should have this book on their resource shelf. -Vanessa Gardner Nagel, designer, author Director of Communications, Association of Professional Landscape Designers
Jan Johnsen touches my soul with her insights on gardens, as well as on living life. You'll be touched too as she teaches you how to create a divine, unhurried landscape with simplicity, sanctuary and delight. -Jim Peterson, Publisher, Garden Design Magazine
"Whether you are intending to create a lovely garden or just thinking about a future outdoor haven, Heaven is a Garden will help you see your backyard in a whole new light and reawaken an awareness of the wonders of Nature." -Kathy Jentz, Publisher of the Washington Gardener
When's the last time you read a gardening book cover to cover, all in one sitting? Up until a few weeks ago, my answer to that question would have been, "A gardening book? NEVER." But then I read "Heaven is a Garden." Cover to cover. All in one sitting. And then I read it again. I'll probably read it again - it's that captivating!
This book is impossible to put down - partly due to the fascinating content, but also because Jan is a gifted storyteller whose choice of words and melodic phrasing beckon you in and invite you to stay. The bow on this exquisite gift of a book is the fact that the photographs are personal examples of Jan's gorgeous garden and landscape design work - fabulous! -- Gwen Holloway * "Heaven Is A Garden" Book Review *
