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Magical Spaces
Since determining that a meadow is just the thing for my front slope, I have been spending some time reading up on a new book, The American Meadow Garden by John Greenlee. Whether you want to create a small, intimate meadow, or are looking to abandon your traditional lawn, Greenlee’s newest book takes readers through the entire design process. In addition to guiding you in site preparation, Greenlee discusses the difference between warm and cool season grasses, and how they perform differently, depending on what part of the country you live in. In addition, there is extensive information given on a variety of grasses that will serve as base, filler, and accent grasses. Grasses are excellent for slopes, and many will give the effect of water cascading down a hill, as well as provide erosion control. Included in this book is a listing of many meadow sweeteners such as bulbs, annuals and perennials. An entire section is devoted to a portfolio of meadow gardens from California to Wisconsin. All are amazing and equally beautiful. Greenlee has been growing grasses as a nurseryman for more than two decades, and states:
16 comments to Magical Spaces |
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What a lovely post. Meadows hold memories for those of us who enjoy gathering wild flowers or just observing the life, beauty and painterly landscapes they create. Sweet childhood memories Liisa! I will have to check out this book. It would be wonderful if at least half of everyone’s lawn could be transformed into meadows the world over. Carol
Hello Liisa,
What an interesting book. I do love meadows and it is great to have this book as a resource in creating one for ourselves. Thank you
Thanks Liisa, for this wonderful review. This does seem a book of great interest to many. I love the quote at the end, enough to spur a sale on the spot!
Frances
Hi;
Found you through blotanical. I have seeded a wildflower meadow in a back portion of our property. Greenlee’s quote captures it so well… it’s a windy area and the tall grasses often wave in a hypnotic fashion. I look forward to reading more.
Welcome, Kate! I love the way the tall grasses move in the slightest breeze, adding movement to the garden. I am looking forward to seeing your wildflower meadow.
Happy New Year!!
Frances,
You are quite welcome! I hope that meadow gardening will grow ever more popular in the coming years. I so look forward to creating mine. Meadows are sexy!!
Noelle,
This book is an excellent resource for those who are serious about creating their own magic with a beautiful meadow garden. I am glad you enjoyed the review.
Carol,
I can’t think of a better place to sit and observe nature! It is my wish that everyone would create at least a small, intimate meadow somewhere in their garden.
Great post! Such beauty..and magic! I am a meadow-girl..so I definately appreciate this concept! Loved the video..I just wanted to jump in there and drift away ha ha! Beautiful post..great job!Great resource!
I will definitely have to add this book to my wish list! In the book I am currently reading – Home Outside – it asks you to remember special places from your childhood or throughout your life that offered you refuge or peace. One of mine is the “tall grass fields” (meadows) of my childhood in WI. I love meadows and John, the author, is correct – why have a lawn when you can have all that motion in the wind, and the flowers, and birds and butterflies, and more! Great post.
Sounds like you have some great childhood memories of a beautiful place!
I was lucky enough to win this book off of the Blue Planet Blog and it’s just beautiful!
Catherine,
I’m so glad that you have been enjoying the book, too. It is certainly beautiful, and with each page I turn I find myself more in love with meadow gardens. Lucky you, to win such a fabulous book!!
Violet Fern,
I enjoyed reading Home Outside as well. I remember some beautiful images of a garden in Vermont, complete with a meadow and bursting with blueberry bushes. I am so glad to have found you through blotanical, and thank you so much for visiting!!
Kiki,
I found myself wanting to jump into the meadows featured in this book. All are unique, and truly amazing. And, you are right… they contain such beauty and magic as they change constantly through the seasons.
I have always had a vision in my head of my perfect garden. It does include a small, rather intimate meadow, enclosed by birch trees…
This looks like a wonderful book.
Jen
Jen,
If you have a meadow in mind, I think you would really enjoy this book. There are some lovely intimate meadows featured. I love birch trees, they would be delightful in a meadow.