45 varied and strikingly beautiful gardens, designed by architects, to complement architectural design and function.

Gardens surrounding homes are as varied and unexpected as architecture itself and can be designed in ways that are practical, environmentally sound, and strikingly beautiful. Original gardens add living space and drama to a home and settings for art, and havens for entertaining or contemplation.

In this book, the designer of each landscape has created an original solution that stretches the boundaries of what we think of as our "backyard garden." Ranging from traditional (Asian, Southwestern, or formal French) to contemporary (art made from nature or giant steps of running water), and ecologically sophisticated (roof planting and container gardening) to intimate garden "rooms" that expand the living space, these are wonderful, innovative designs.

This pictorial tour through the United States and several foreign countries will inspire garden lovers, armchair gardeners, architects, and designers to rethink the possibilities of outdoor spatial design.