SCIENCES

Paradise Gardens: Spiritual Inspiration and Earthly Expression

by Toby Musgrave
Frances Lincoln. 2015. 224p. photos. bibliog. index. ISBN 9780711236530. $45. GARDENING
COPY ISBN
From the temple gardens of the ancient Egyptians and cloister gardens of the Middle Ages to the Pure Land Gardens of Japan, various civilizations have used plants and gardens as a way of exploring their philosophical and religious beliefs. Musgrave, a horticultural historian and landscape designer (The Head Gardeners) traces this tie between belief systems and nature, looking back 5,000 years and ending with the recent resurgence of interest in the therapeutic properties of plants and gardens.
VERDICT Lushly illustrated and filled with fascinating historical and scientific tidbits about the connections between different religions and plants, Musgrave's latest is lively reading and a solid introduction to the topic. The ambitious scope of the book, however, may leave some readers with the feeling that at times the title serves more as an amuse-bouche to the subject rather than a full-course meal.
Reviewed by John Charles, formerly of Scottsdale P.L., AZ , Dec 01, 2015
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