When the folks at Taunton Press asked if I would like a review copy of Julie Moir Messervy's new book — plus one to give away to readers — I didn't hesitate. My husband and I have no reservations in saying that the book which had the most profound effect on the process of designing our garden was "The Inward Garden: Creating a Place of Beauty and Meaning" by Julie Moir Messervy (with unforgettable photos by Sam Abell). If you've been following the Wednesday "Odyssey" posts about the history of that project, you've already read our praises of Messervy's talents.
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Not only did we fall in love with her books and ideas, but we were equally smitten with the dry sand garden (above) at the Boston Museum of Fine Art, known as Tenshin-en: The Garden of the Heart of Heaven, where Messervy collaborated on the design with Japanese garden master, Kinsaku Nakane.
All of Messervy's books are intelligent, inspirational — and variations on a theme. She has a very specific method of approaching a project; and it's fascinating to see how Messervy applies her basic principles to widely varying locations, climates and budgets. Her latest publication, "Home Outside: Creating the Landscape You Love," is also the most accessible.
This is an endeavor whose every page is packed with information and ideas and yet there's plenty of visual breathing space. And it's a book whose message is perfect for its time: Home is where the heart is and where many of us are hunkering down; renovating rather than relocating. We'll be looking for ways to add more living space, comfort and beauty to our homes and Messervy is here to show us how to do it by going outside the walls of our houses.
Among the strengths of the book are Messervy's "Six Steps to Creating the Landscape You Love;" a process that anyone can follow to gain the same confidence designing outdoor spaces that most of us intuitively have for the indoors. She also shows six possibilities for one landscape; the house, driveway and curbside tree stay the same but everything else changes in these widely differing possibilites.
Among the entertaining highlights of the book is Messervy's personality test: "What Kind of Designer Are You?" which will help you figure out what kind of aesthetic style you have; a critical component for getting started and for making decisions. The book provides written and visual answers to the quiz.
As I said, this publication is packed: there are inside/outside/detail shots (all appropriately credited); there are sidebars and sketches and full color renderings; "Did you know" tidbits?; and visual glossaries — colorful double page photo spreads on subjects like materials for underfoot and grandchild's paradise, etc. Of course, there are "before" photos of some rather pathetic spaces; something we all love to look at — especially if they're worse than what we're dealing with. Messervy also considers designing over time and on a shoestring budget. And, though she deals with properties in Seattle and San Francisco and Washington, D.C., she also goes to New Jersey and Ohio and Vermont — the places where the rest of us live.
What I loved about this book is that sometimes the solutions are so easy: paint a wall; add three trees; uncover an overgrown stone ledge. And Messervy caps it all off with an in-depth look at a project that virtually any of us could achieve: transforming a modest house with paint, plantings, time and love.
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At this New Hampshire property, Messervy "created a 'turning point' for a handsome pot whose lines mimic the mountain peak beyond."
ENTER "EACH LITTLE WORLD'S" DRAWING TO WIN A COPY OF "HOME OUTSIDE": Leave a comment below and you will be automatically entered in the drawing to win a copy of Julie Moir Messervy's newest book, "Home Outside: Creating the Landscape You Love." You may leave a comment anytime before midnight on Monday, March 30. One comment (entry) per visitor. The winner will be determined by the random number generator.
Oh a giveaway. I'm in. I'd love to win Julie Messervy's new book. Thanks for the opportunity.
Posted by: Blossom | Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 08:48 PM
I'm going to review this one too, so no need to enter me in the drawing, Linda. I also have her Inward Garden on my bedside table, partly on your recommendation. Can't wait to crack that one.
Posted by: Pam/Digging (Austin) | Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Gosh would love to win this book! Please count me in - thanks! ~ :)
Posted by: Tisa | Sunday, March 22, 2009 at 11:55 PM
Pick me, pick me!
Posted by: Les | Monday, March 23, 2009 at 04:15 AM
I would love this book, thank you. I am designing a friend's backyard and reworking my own.
Posted by: Roseann | Monday, March 23, 2009 at 06:15 AM
Ooooo this sounds like a wonderful book. I would love to win it. Thanks for the offering.
The title _The Inward Garden_ intrigues me too. I think my garden gives that feel. At least I would describe it that way. I have had people tell me that my garden feels like an inclosure. I think I like that because it makes me feel eneveloped. When I was a child I always liked to climb into a tree and just sit amonst the leaves looking over the neighborhood and no one knowing where I was, Or slip into the row of the neighbors hydrangea bushes and watch the world go by while I was hidden.
I live on a busy corner so I like that feeling of "not" being here.
Posted by: Lisa at Greeenbow | Monday, March 23, 2009 at 06:31 AM
Good morning, early birds and good luck to you all!
Posted by: LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD | Monday, March 23, 2009 at 07:13 AM
This book will help me figure out what to do with my outside space. Thanks for the opportunity!
Posted by: Martha Zydowsky | Monday, March 23, 2009 at 08:32 AM
I've purchased many of the garden books that you've recommended and this one looks fabulous as well! I look forward to reading it, won or bought.
Posted by: Deb Manowske | Monday, March 23, 2009 at 10:21 AM
This looks like a very useful book. If I don't win, I'll have to look for it at the library.
Posted by: Mr. McGregor's Daughter | Monday, March 23, 2009 at 10:30 AM
This sounds like a great read, whether I'm lucky enough to win it or not. Thanks!
Posted by: Denise | Monday, March 23, 2009 at 10:35 AM
I could really use some design advice and would love to win a copy of Messervy's book. Thanks for considering me!
Posted by: Cindy | Monday, March 23, 2009 at 01:25 PM
Oooh! A chance to win a book? I'm in! My sad excuse for a garden could use all the help it can get. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy (if I don't win it's definitely going on my 'gotta have' list).
Posted by: Inkslinger | Monday, March 23, 2009 at 03:37 PM
Good luck to you all and keep your fingers crossed for the next week!
Posted by: LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD | Monday, March 23, 2009 at 07:20 PM
My internet could be fibbing me, but I don't see my comment attempt from yesterday up above, so I'll leave this one. I saw _Outside the Not So Big House_ in a bookstore the other day, and since I'm a fan of the original, was intrigued. I ended up going with Anna Pavord's _Naming of Names_ instead, though, since it fit my budget better.
Posted by: Sarah O | Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 03:13 PM
I too would love this book. I live with my daughter and have a collection of over 300 plants in pots waiting for our new house to get built. Soon it will be time to start planing the garden and this would certainly have great ideas.
Posted by: Marilyn Kircus | Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 09:42 PM
Sarah — glad that you tried again. Marilyn — 300 plants in pots, yikes!
Posted by: LINDA from EACH LITTLE WORLD | Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 10:51 PM
This sounds like an excellent book and one I'll look to when we get to a house we'll stay in for a while. I'd love to take that test to show you your own aesthetic preference. thanks for a great review and a fun contest. ~Lynn
Posted by: Lynn | Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 09:55 AM
I recommended Outside the Not so Big House for a master gardener program I presented called "The Literary Garden". I'd love to be chosen to get the Home Outside. Please add me to the raffle.Thanks
Posted by: Jill-O | Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 08:53 PM
I'm really enjoying your blog! I like your teamwork and your great explanations that go well with the photos and diagrams. We're kindred spirits when it comes to planning gardens! Kim
Posted by: Kim (Japan) | Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 06:04 AM
I'm thrilled to have found your blog. We live in Madison and the first year we had our house we heard your keynote talk at the Garden Expo. The work of Gordon Hayward has been very helpful to us. Sounds like I could learn a lot from this book as well.
Posted by: Sherri | Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 08:01 PM
Lovely , lovely and thought-provoking pictures on Saturday!
Posted by: Lorna | Saturday, March 28, 2009 at 10:06 AM
Sure, I'd love to win this book!
Posted by: Eliz | Sunday, March 29, 2009 at 03:45 PM
This book sounds wonderful. Thanks for the chance to win it!
We're wet and gloomy here this morning, but it's perfect blogging weather :) I hope your weather is brighter there.
Posted by: kerri | Monday, March 30, 2009 at 08:46 AM
Do you post to the UK?!
I always love a freebie, especially one that is readable and garden based!
Ryan
Posted by: Ryan | Monday, March 30, 2009 at 10:32 AM