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With the increasing global warming and warmer, wetter winters, a study of mediterranean style gardening has more pertinence than ever before. Acclaimed US garden writer Jan Smith, accompanied by the talented photographer Lucinda Lewis, present a stunning discourse on mediterranean gardening. Interpreting mediterranean more as a type of climate, flora and garden style than geographically, they also encompass Californian gardens where the drought tolerant planting of Southern Europe is emulated in their similar weather pattern. From the Moorish splendours of Spain with its Islamic overtones to Renaissance villas in Italy and the formal French parterres, the author and photographer travel through these sun-drenched oasis', capturing the hazy, heat-covered vistas of arid yet still green countryside and coast which provide the backdrop to the hidden jewels of private gardens they discover. Punctuated with the silver leaves of olives, cistus and other drought-resistant shrubs and trees, the landscape is awash with scent, warmth and softness. Gardens are formalised with spires of cypress and toparied box, pergolas and arbours drip with bougainvillea and wisteria, epitomising what is commonly regarded as the mediterranean style. Steeped in history and ancient architectural features, the gardens offer shade from the blazing sun, water features adding a coolness to these verdant havens. A truly inspirational book for gardeners in the UK with planting ideas, landscaping suggestions and pictures to dream and aspire to. - Lucy Watson Penelope Hobhouse's History of Gardening and Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall's The Garden give comprehensive accounts of English gardening history but little has been written on American gardens. Maybe because of the misconception of their disinterest in the subject; maybe because all Americans are originally immigrants, albeit from several centuries ago, their ideas borrowed from other, more celebrated gardening nations. But any Englishman visiting America instantly notices the Americaness of the gardens, not their European or Far Eastern origins. So what is it that defines American gardens? The continent is so vast the climate ranges from near Arctic to desert-like and the garden styles are reflected accordingly, so how can they just be American ? Denise Otis aims to discover the origins of today's American gardening style. Spanning four centuries from the earliest settlers, she traces the horticultural history from initial vegetable plots to protected pleasure gardens to copying European trends, culminating in today's surprisingly inspirational gardens to be found across all states. Sumptuously illustrated with photographs, prints and manuscripts, Otis' thorough research pays off in her presentation of the subject. An American Hobhouse , Otis' work should be recognised in the UK for its high standard, easy style and solid historical background. A fascinating read and impressive publication, as important to British gardeners as Americans. - Lucy Watson

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Denise Otis is a noted authority on gardening, and has published widely on her subject. She was for many years Editor of House & Garden and was the author of Abrams' highly successful book Decorating with Flowers (and a consultant on its sequel, More Decorating with Flowers). She lives in New York City.

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