Grounded in the Garden
Grounded in the Garden
An artist's guide to creating a beautiful garden in harmony with nature
Beautifully illustrated, personal story of an artist's garden in Ireland
- AvailableHardback9781914902079208 pagesList Price: GBP 25.00 Buy from bookshop.org (UK)
"In this intimate book, TJ Maher - artist, gardener, nature-lover and contemplative - elegantly combines his painter's insight with his plantsman's knowledge to present a masterclass in garden artistry." - Jane Powers
Grounded in the Garden explores the practical considerations that come into play when creating a beautiful garden which also respects nature. TJ goes deep into such topics as using colour in the garden, creating and re-creating borders, and generally, how we can get the most from our gardens. But this is much more than just a how-to guide. Interspersed among the practical advice is a spiritual and thought-provoking inquiry as he reflects on nature and what she has to teach us if we are willing to listen.
TJ writes, ‘Maybe the only things that matter in the end are love and the heart connections we have made.’ This book is an invitation to love both the natural world and ourselves. It is also a feast for the eyes. TJ’s photographs are interspersed with contributions from Jason Ingram, Clive Nichols, Richard Murphy and Kieran Neary. Together, their images bring to life the creatures, the beauty and the colour in his garden.
T.J. Maher, who was born in Tipperary, now lives and gardens in County Wicklow. A Buddhist, he is also a much-respected artist, and his garden, Patthana, which is open to the public, is a glorious creation combining horticultural, artistic and spiritual disciplines. Through Patthana he finds connection with himself and with Nature.
Jane Powers is the author of The Irish Garden (Frances Lincoln, 2015). She is also the former gardening correspondent of The Irish Times and ofThe Sunday Times Ireland.
"TJ Maher’s skill and artistry using colour with plants is in evidence in his book Grounded in the Garden. Reading an advance copy on a dreary December day, the pages suffused with colour were a balm for the soul. It’s packed with Maher’s advice on combining plants for maximum impact and how to extend a garden’s seasonal interest."
"For those ready to roll up their sleeves and rediscover their green fingers this spring, Grounded in the Garden is a fitting inspiration."
"A delightful book...There are helpful plant recommendations and inspirational ideas for using pots and containers, and for creating borders...the book conveys the real excitement that results from combining plants in fresh ways."
"Throughout the book there are useful ideas, practical information and helpful lists...a beautiful production."
"Beautifully illustrated...Like its author, it is thought-provoking and reflective."
"If you want a masterclass on how to create a garden, [this] is an essential read...I'd buy it for the beautiful photographs alone."
"Discover plant and colour inspiration, and ideas for extending the season."