Gardens of Corfu

Greenest of the Greek islands, Corfu has a rich but little-known garden heritage. This first-ever book on the subject is as inspiring as it is informative. Illustrated by multi-award-winning photographer Marianne Majerus, it focuses entirely on private gardens, and gives a unique entrée to a secret world ranging from romantic old estates and 'grandmothers' gardens' to stunning contemporary gardens by international designers. Rich with stories about the gardens and their creation, the text brims with insights into the island's unusual cultural and natural history. Portraits of individual gardens show how design ideals have evolved, influenced by global and mediterranean design trends but respecting the local spirit of place and drawing on local craft traditions. They provide a wealth of inspiration for garden makers in mediterranean climate zones and beyond. The final chapter explores the island's varied wild landscapes; it follows the procession of wildflowers through the seasons and illustrates local culinary and medicinal uses of wild plants. The Preface is by Mary Keen, garden columnist for the UK Daily Telegraph.