The garden design firm SMI Landscape Architecture is known for its estate masterplanning, its public gardens and streetscapes, and its thoughtful private gardens for clients across the United States and in the Bahamas. The firm's philosophy incorporates a ?botanical garden' approach with exotic planting and elements of classical European design to create beautiful, usable spaces. This new book examines three recent private gardens in great detail, two in Florida and one in Scarsdale, New York. Practical information about the design approach and details of the planting are combined with an account by Jorge Sánchez ? a principal partner of SMI ? of the process behind each garden, his relationship with the client and the reasons for his decisions. Sánchez's insights give a strong sense of participation ? with the climate, with the local flora, with the clients and with other designers, whether sculptors, architects or interior designers. To be part of such collaborative efforts is hugely satisfying for Sánchez, as is producing the best possible garden for each set of clients. With specially commissioned photography throughout, this handsome book will appeal to all garden lovers, as well as to design aficionados seeking a deeper understanding of the creative process behind making a garden, and to garden designers and horticultural students.
