Gardens to Inspire

In Gardens to Inspire, Keith Kirsten introduces 25 notable South African gardens, chosen for the ‘wow’ factor that sets them apart. Great gardens are not simply an accumulation of plants. They are planned and nurtured over years, even decades, and they reflect the personality or intention of their creators. The selected gardens range from classic-traditional to quirky-eclectic to those that strive to meet the challenge of being environmentally sustainable. Some are grand estates, others are more modest, some are open to the public, others are not readily accessible. But whether they are private or public, big or small, exotic or indigenous, this book reveals something of the story behind each garden, introducing the owners or custodians and discussing the plants and landscaping that makes each one special. Many of the featured gardens have been years in the making, others are more recent creations, but gardens are never static; man and nature are always reshaping them, and this book presents a moment in the life of each of these inspirational gardens.