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Two local GPG member gardens named "Great Gardens of America"
by Louise Eliason, Coordinator - posted 1/4/2010
Tim Richardson’s and Andrea Jones’s new book, Great Gardens of America
Philadelphia, PA. – Greater Philadelphia Gardens, the non-profit organization that showcases the
Philadelphia region as America’s garden capital, today announced that its members Longwood
Gardens and Chanticleer are featured in Tim Richardson’s and Andrea Jones’s new book, Great
Gardens of America.
The sensational new book, the first of its kind in half a century, was featured on the Today Show
in their Holiday Gift Guide of top books to buy. Great Gardens of America was additionally
selected by London's Daily Telegraph in its list of the best Christmas books.
Tim Richardson, the highly acclaimed British garden writer and historian explores America’s
25 best-loved and most interesting gardens. Famed British photographer Andrea Jones richly
illustrates the 300 pages, bringing each garden alive in print. This is a new yet classic garden
book.
Thomas Praises Book and Region
R. William Thomas, Chair of Greater Philadelphia Gardens and Executive Director of
Chanticleer in Wayne, PA is “delighted and honored that Longwood Gardens and Chanticleer
are among the 25 gardens highlighted in Great Gardens of America.”
“Having two of our 30 members featured in this stunningly beautiful book by a great
author and an amazing photographer gives international recognition to the Philadelphia
region as America’s garden capital,” stated Mr. Thomas.
Chronicles American versus British History and Culture, too
In the first book on the subject in half a century legendary garden historian and writer
Tim Richardson gives delightful and playful insight into the historic and cultural
differences between American and European gardens.
What is perhaps most enriching about Mr. Richardson’s writing style is his unique ability to
lure in readers to appreciate the historic lifestyles, preferences, and “attitudes” of pioneering
Americans, as showcased by America’s greatest and most maverick gardeners, whom he clearly
admires.
The Extravaganza of Longwood Gardens
Longwood Gardens’ premier horticultural display features 11,000 varieties of plants and 1,050
acres of gardens, fountains, meadows and woodlands and is located near Kennett Square, PA.
As described by author Tim Richardson, “The greatest horticultural extravaganza in America,
Longwood is a showpiece in every sense from conception to execution to reputation.”
Acclaims Mr. Richardson, “Yet despite the vast sums lavished upon it over the years, there is
something inherently unpretentious about it –which perhaps is the most surprising aspect of the
place for a visitor arriving for the first time.”
Chanticleer’s Innovation
Highlights of Chanticleer’s 35-acre “pleasure garden” in Wayne, PA include water and ruin
gardens and unbridled innovation and creativity.
“For a foreign visitor, Chanticleer begs the question, why is there nothing like this at Home?
It takes custodianship of vision, confidence, and almost bloody-minded independence to bring
off a feat like this. Bravo!” exclaims British author Richardson.
About Greater Philadelphia Gardens
Greater Philadelphia Gardens aims to heighten awareness and visitation of the
Philadelphia region’s public gardens, arboreta and historic houses with gardens. In 1989, many
of them banded together to jointly promote the gardens and encourage visitors. That
collaboration, one of the first of its kind in the country, has evolved into Greater Philadelphia
Gardens, whose 30 member gardens attract three million visitors each year.
Greater Philadelphia Gardens makes it easier for visitors to discover the horticultural wealth
of the region. The web site www.GreaterPhiladelphiaGardens.org highlights the various
gardens and easily links to each. Hosting more gardens than anywhere else on the continent, as
well as much of the nation’s horticultural history, the region has been dubbed “America’s
Garden Capital.”
For more information on Greater Philadelphia Gardens or any of its member gardens’ events,
workshops, news, or other information, please visit:
www.GreaterPhiladelphiaGardens.org ... in America's garden capital
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