As seen in The New York Times, NPR.org, Gardens Illustrated, and AD ProA richly illustrated survey celebrating humankind’s enduring relationship with the garden, explored throughout art, science, history, and cultureGarden takes readers on a journey across continents and cultures to discover the endless ways artists and image-makers have found inspiration in gardens and horticulture throughout history. With more than 300 entries, this comprehensive and stunning visual survey showcases the diversity of the garden from all over the world – from the garden of Eden and the grandeur of the English landscape garden to Japanese Zen gardens and the humble vegetable plot.Spanning a wide range of styles and media – art, illustrations, and sculptures to photography, film stills, and textiles – Garden follows a visually arresting sequence, with works, regardless of period, thoughtfully paired, and features large-scale images, accessible texts, and reference information, including a glossary, illustrated timeline, and biographies.Offering a comprehensive introduction to the subject, Garden features work by a diverse range of both lesser-known and iconic artists, including Pierre Bonnard, Roberto Burle Marx, Lucas Cranach the Elder, Gertrude Jekyll, Claude Monet, Marianne North, Crispijn de Passe, William Robinson, Alma Thomas, and Howard Sooley, among others, including a variety of surprising examples that will appeal to specialists as well as the general reader. Aimed at a wide audience, this book has diverse appeal – from artists, designers, and art historians to garden enthusiasts, horticulturists, and everyone interested in the natural world around them. Read more

Your guide to Japanese gardening design!150 photos and illustrations of beautiful Japanese garden designsLayout and care for the components of your garden, from plants to paths and bridgesPlant directory covering trees, shrubs, berries, ground cover, grasses, mosses, ferns, flowers, and moreInformative, accessible, well-written text is easy to read and understand even for novice gardenersThis beautifully illustrated book offers an inspirational and practical introduction to the tradition of Japanese Zen gardens.Emphasizing the value of shape in trees and shrubs with the subtlety of color through the varied greens of foliage and moss, Authentic Japanese Gardens explains how western plants and materials can be used to achieve peaceful, contemplative gardens. There are instructions and tips for selecting plants and materials that are readily available, as well as plant lists and climate zone maps to aid western gardeners and landscapers.As the wealth of stunning color photographs from around the world demonstrates, Japanese landscaping is concerned with a reverence for nature. The overall effect is of tranquility, with gardens crafted using natural materials such as wood, bamboo, rocks, and pebbles. In 168 information-packed pages, Authentic Japanese Gardens will help you to create a much-needed oasis of calm in your own outdoor space.Inside this practical guide to recreating traditional Japanese-style gardens, author Yoko Kawaguchi explains how non-Japanese plants and materials can be used to achieve the natural, minimalist look of Japanese garden designs. This revised, photo-heavy edition features new text and stunning new color photography (the former edition was published as Serene Gardens).Learn all you need to know about traditional Japanese gardens, with historical context, design, and choice of Japanese garden plants, including the hill-and-pond garden, dry-landscape garden, tea garden, and courtyard garden. Then, you'll explore the elements of a Japanese garden, and how to choose, lay out, and care for its components. Get detailed information and helpful suggestions on plants, rocks, water features, sand, paths, stepping-stones, bridges, stone lanterns, pergolas, fences, and borrowed vistas. The text is written to be easy to understand and enjoyable to read even for beginners.The extensive plant directory is packed with details and advice on the types of trees, shrubs, berries, ground cover, grasses, bamboos, mosses, ferns, tropical specimen plants, foliage, flowers, aquatic plants, and non-traditional alternatives to use in your garden. From flowering trees and hedge plants to ornamental trees, toad lilies, evergreen shrubs, and more, you'll learn how understatement, rather than profusion, creates the calmness of this style of gardening.150 bright, colorful photographs and helpful illustrations provide excellent examples of gorgeous garden designs that work with nature. Learn about tree pruning and topiary, the importance of each design element, useful tips on choosing appropriate plants, shrubs, and trees, and more gardening DIY advice for creating an outdoor space that will fit your lifestyle. The Resources section is packed with important details on hardiness zones, a bibliography, gardens to visit, supplies, and a complete index.A perfect gift for new homeowners, you'll discover how to recreate Japanese garden design and detail whether in a tiny urban patio, backyard, or a large country garden, with the practical advice and stunning color photography inside Authentic Japanese Gardens!"Full of ideas for planting your own Zen garden and creating a natural haven of peace and tranquility"—Go Japan Go Read more

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐IMPORTANT MESSAGE: INTERACTIVE MAP INCLUDED!⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Keep Oregon at your fingertips with our interactive map! Whether you prefer planning ahead or adjusting on the go, our interactive map is an essential tool to help you make the most of your time!Welcome to the Oregon Travel Guide, your definitive companion to exploring the most breathtaking and unique destinations in the Beaver State.From the iconic peaks of Mount Hood to the serene beauty of Crater Lake, this guide showcases Oregon’s diverse landscapes and cultural highlights.Our journey begins in Northwestern Oregon, where natural beauty meets cultural vibrancy. Discover the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum in The Dalles and marvel at Multnomah Falls in the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Enjoy the alpine grandeur of Mount Hood and the historic charm of Timberline Lodge. In Portland, explore the Portland Japanese Garden, browse Powell’s City of Books, and take in panoramic views from the Pittock Mansion. Coastal highlights include Cannon Beach with its iconic Haystack Rock, and the historic Astoria Column, perfect for stunning vistas.In Southwestern Oregon, nature and culture collide. Visit Crater Lake National Park, a stunning natural wonder, or venture underground at the Oregon Caves National Monument. Ashland offers the renowned Oregon Shakespeare Festival and serene Lithia Park, while outdoor enthusiasts will love the thrills of the Rogue River and the beauty of Table Rocks.Northeastern Oregon offers rugged landscapes and rich history. The Painted Hills showcase nature’s artistry, while Hells Canyon stuns with its dramatic depths. Discover cultural heritage at the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute or explore historic Pendleton and Baker City. Outdoor adventurers will enjoy the serene beauty of Wallowa Lake and the surrounding Eagle Cap Wilderness Area.Central Oregon is an adventurer’s paradise. Climb the cliffs of Smith Rock State Park or paddle the Deschutes River. Discover volcanic wonders at the Newberry National Volcanic Monument, drive the Cascade Lakes Scenic Byway, and marvel at the cascading beauty of Tumalo Falls. Bend’s Old Mill District offers a lively mix of shopping, dining, and scenic views, while the High Desert Museum brings the region’s history to life.Finally, Southeastern Oregon invites you to its remote, untamed beauty. Explore the vast Alvord Desert, ascend Steens Mountain, or birdwatch at the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge. Don’t miss the rugged Owyhee Canyonlands or the historic Pete French Round Barn.The Oregon Travel Guide is your gateway to unforgettable adventures. Pack your sense of wonder and get ready to explore the best of Oregon! Read more

An in-depth exploration spanning 800 years of the art, essence, and enduring impact of the Japanese garden.The most comprehensive exploration of the art of the Japanese garden published to date, this book covers more than eight centuries of the history of this important genre. Author and garden designer Sophie Walker brings fresh insight to this subject, exploring the Japanese garden in detail through a series of essays and with 100 featured gardens, ranging from ancient Shinto shrines to imperial gardens and contemporary Zen designs. Leading artists, architects, and other cultural practitioners offer personal perspectives in newly commissioned essays. Read more

In this book, renowned garden designer Motomi Oguchi offers the reader a step-by-step, practical approach to creating Japanese gardens, drawn from a wealth of experience that covers thirty years and encompasses the design of more than 400 gardens. The author uses real examples from gardens he has designed, constructed, and photographed to illustrate his key points, approaching each work from the perspective of the home or building owner.Oguchi begins with front gardens, as these are usually what one encounters first when entering a home. Typically, these front plantings are not defined Japanese garden types but rather, physical areas. He then moves on to tsubo niwa (courtyard gardens) and kare sansui (dry gardens) that might be found in the middle or rear of a building, or any available small space. Next, he introduces tea and tree gardens, which are more likely to be sections of a larger garden; and highlights specific characteristics and conditions of interior gardens.Within each chapter are general layouts and methods of developing the various gardens, which precede specific, step-by-step instructions. The author also offers practical and affordable variations on more ambitious designs and shows how they can be adapted to the reader’s home or building. In addition, Oguchi emphasizes the importance of proper maintenance and offers suggestions for special touches and restoration. Read more

Create a peaceful sanctuary and cultivate your creative side with this unique Japanese Garden Colouring Book! Featuring serene scenes of bonsai trees, pagodas, and koi ponds, each page is an opportunity to relax and enjoy the journey into zen. Not only will you get to explore the beauty of traditional Japanese culture, but also find yourself engaging in mindful colouring activities that soothe your mind.50 unique Japanese Garden IllustrationsEach design is printed on a separate sheetPremium Matte CoverNO duplicate images in this book.Size: 8.5 x 11.5Suitable for Colouring Pens, Pencils, Markers and CrayonsOur Japanese Garden Colouring Book offers a perfect way to relax and relieve stress - make your own serene escape today! Unlock the door to peace, relaxation and creativity with this colouring book. Read more

Shunmyo Masuno, Japan's leading garden designer, is at once Japan's most highly acclaimed landscape architect and an 18th-generation Zen Buddhist priest, presiding over daily ceremonies at the Kenkoji Temple in Yokohama. He is celebrated for his unique ability to blend strikingly contemporary elements with the traditional design vernacular. He has worked in ultramodern urban hotels and some of Japan's most famous classic gardens. In each project, his work as a designer of landscape architecture is inseparable from his Buddhist practice. Each becomes a Zen garden, "a special spiritual place where the mind dwells."This beautiful book, illustrated with more than 400 drawings and color photographs, is the first complete retrospective of Masuno's work to be published in English. It presents 37 major gardens around the world in a wide variety of types and settings: traditional and contemporary, urban and rural, public spaces and private residences, and including temple, office, hotel and campus venues. Masuno achieved fame for his work in Japan, but he is becoming increasingly known internationally, and in 2011 completed his first commission in the United States which is shown here.Zen Gardens, divided into three chapters, covers: "Traditional Zen Gardens," "Contemporary Zen Gardens" and "Zen Gardens outside Japan." Each Zen garden design is described and analyzed by author Mira Locher, herself an architect and a scholar well versed in Japanese culture.Celebrating the accomplishments of an influential, world-class designer, Zen Gardens also serves as something of a master class in Japanese garden design and appreciation: how to perceive a Japanese garden, how to understand one, even how to make one yourself. Like one of Masuno's gardens, the book can be a place for contemplation and mindful repose. Read more

Philosophical essays on the beauty and meaning of traditional Japanese gardens.In Japanese gardens, composition follows from placement of the first stone; all elements and plantings become interconnected. These eight essays on Kyoto gardens similarly begin with keen description and build into richly meditative excursions into art, Buddhism, nature, and science. Landscape architect Marc Keane shows how Japanese gardens are both a microcosm of the natural universe and a clear expression of our humanity, mirroring how we think, worship, and organize our lives and communities. Filled with passages of alluring beauty, this is a truly transcendent book about "experiencing" Japanese design. Read more

A gripping and entertaining memoir that shines a rare light on an industry that is disrupting our lives.Veteran Morgan Stanley banker Alok Sama thought he'd seen it all. Then he found himself chief dealmaker at the most influential technology investor in the world—SoftBank, the backer of Arm Holdings, Yahoo, Nvidia, TikTok, Uber, T-Mobile, Alibaba and WeWork.The Money Trap is Sama’s thrilling, stranger-than-fiction personal odyssey featuring his experiences alongside SoftBank’s iconic founder, Masayoshi Son, a visionary maverick who wants to be remembered as “the crazy guy who bet on the future” and whose mission is “happiness for everyone.” Sama takes the reader on a wild journey as he consorts with A-list CEOs and heads of state, and negotiates mega-deals on a Gulfstream jet, Son’s sanctuary with its exquisite Japanese garden, and a waterside restaurant in the Turkish Riviera—all while contending with a mysterious dark-arts smear campaign that takes a toll on his private life.This fascinating and humorous saga provides a unique insider perspective on the insanity of high finance and venture investing. Written with self-deprecating wit, unflinching honesty and searing introspection, The Money Trap is ultimately a morality tale: in life, as in technology investing, more money isn’t always the answer. Read more

*Gold Medal winner in the 2014 IBPA Benjamin Franklin Award for Home & Garden*"Just flipping through the pages of Quiet Beauty: The Japanese Gardens of North America will instantly lower your blood pressure."—The New York Times Book ReviewQuiet Beauty: Japanese Gardens of North America is an extraordinary look at the most beautiful and serene gardens of the United States and Canada. Most Japanese garden books look to the gardens of Japan. Quiet Beauty explores the treasure trove of Japanese gardens located in North America. Featuring an intimate look at twenty-six gardens, with numerous stunning color photographs of each, that detail their style, history, and special functions, this book explores the ingenuity and range of Japanese landscaping.Japanese gardens have been part of North American culture for almost 150 years. Quiet Beauty is a thought provoking look at the history of their introduction to the world of North American gardening and how this aspect of Japanese culture has taken root and flourished.Japanese gardens include: Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco, California Nitobe Memorial Garden, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia Japanese Garden, Fort Worth Botanic Garden, Texas Garden of the Pine Winds, Denver Botanic Gardena, Colorado Japanese Garden, Montreal Botanical Garden, Quebec Tenshin'en (The Garden of the Heart of Heaven), Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Massachusetts Roji'en (Garden of Drops of Dew), The George D. and Harriet W. Cornell Japanese Gardens, The Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens, Delray Beach, Florida Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, Margaret T. Hance Park, Arizona Garden of the Pine Wind, Garvan Woodland Garden, Hot Springs, Arkansas Read more

Japanese gardening is very different from Western gardening. A Japanese garden, according to most, is far more soul soothing and inspires meditation. Japanese gardening is a cultural form of gardening that aims to create a scene that is as close to nature as possible. The garden is transformed into an art form by the use of trees, shrubs, rocks, sand, artificial hills, ponds, and flowing water. Zen and Shinto traditions are both important in Japanese gardening, and as a result, the gardens have a contemplative and reflective atmosphere.The most well-known form and type of plant in Japanese gardening is the bonsai. Bonsai is the art of training common, everyday plants like Pine, Cypress, Holly, Cedar, Cherry, Maple, and Beech to resemble large, old trees in miniature form. These trees grow from five centimeters to one meter in height and are kept small by pruning, re-potting, growth pinching, and wiring the branches.A garden is an excellent place to unwind and meditate. Designing, building, and planting a Japanese garden is a fun family activity. Read more

Learn how to create a tranquil outdoor space at home with this practical and inspiring guide!With instructive drawings and step-by-step techniques, Inside Your Japanese Garden walks you through designing and creating your very own Japanese garden. From small projects like benches and gates, to larger undertakings like bridges and mud walls, this book provides a wide variety of ways to enhance the space around your home, no matter the size. Instructions on how to work with stone, mud and bamboo—as well as a catalogue of the 94 plant varieties used in the gardens shown in the book—round out this complete guide.This book also features 19 gardens that author Sadao Yasumoro has designed and built in Japan, and some—like those at Visvim shop in Tokyo and at Yushima Tenjin in Tokyo—are open to the public. From small tsuboniwa courtyard gardens to a large backyard stroll garden with water features, stairs and walls, these real-life inspirations will help spark your own garden plan.These inspirational garden projects include:Tea Garden for an Urban Farmhouse featuring a clay wall with a split-bamboo framework and a stone baseThe Landslide That Became a Garden with a terraced slope, trees, bushes, long grasses and mossA Buddha's Mountain Retreat of Moss and Stone with a vertical-split bamboo fence and a brushwood fenceParadise in an Urban Jungle with a pond, bridge, and lanternsEach garden is beautifully photographed by Hironori Tomino and many have diagrams and drawings to show the essential elements used in the planning and construction. Read more

Tasmania is closer than we think, yet it often feels like another world. With its rolling hills, vast open spaces, and untouched wilderness, time here seems to slow. Tasmania – Where Time Gently Pauses journeys through the island, where photographer Valent Lau captures its quiet beauty—from pristine beaches and rugged landscapes to convict-built ruins and charming towns frozen in time.The contrast between past and present is everywhere. In the countryside, historic towns like Ross whisper stories of early settlers, with weathered sandstone buildings and timeless streetscapes. The haunting ruins of Port Arthur and scattered convict sites stand as reminders of Tasmania’s layered history, blending into the land they were built upon. Along the winding roads, surprises appear—a mountain with a hole through its peak, a brilliant blue lake hidden just off the highway, or a stretch of road where you won’t see another soul for kilometres.Hobart, Tasmania’s capital, moves at a slower pace than mainland cities. Its waterfront bustles with life, but there’s always a quiet park or a scenic lookout just minutes away. The laneways reveal bursts of street art, while Salamanca’s sandstone buildings house lively markets, artisan shops, and local flavours. Just beyond the city, the Royal Tasmanian Botanical Gardens offer a peaceful retreat, with a stunning Japanese garden nestled within.More than just a collection of photographs, this book is a reflection on Tasmania’s character—its deep history, relaxed rhythm, and vast, open landscapes. It’s an invitation to slow down, take in the details, and see the island in a different light.Perfect for lovers of travel, nature, and quiet moments. Read more

Featuring beautiful photographs and insightful commentary this Japanese gardening book is a must-have for any gardening or zen enthusiast. At the heart of a Japanese garden is harmony with nature. More than simply a landscape of trees and flowering shrubs, a Japanese garden provides a place of serenity and rest, filled with peaceful spots that lend themselves to meditation and contemplation. Japanese Gardens celebrates and illustrates this ideal, showcasing the exquisite natural beauty of more than 20 quintessentially Japanese gardens—big and small, urban and rural, traditional and contemporary.The expert author-and-photographer team behind this book excels at capturing and explaining the essential elements and techniques that distinguish Japanese garden design from that of other countries. The featured sites reflect a cross-section of Japanese culture and history including large feudal period gardens, temple and Zen gardens and private countryside gardens. The mountain flower garden, tea garden, rock garden and bonsai garden alike are all celebrated and appreciated in this beautiful book. Read more

"While the scholarly nature of the book is evident in its endnotes and bibliography, the text and images expand the volume's reach to lay gardeners wanting to both appreciate and learn from these professionals and perhaps model some of their practices." —Library Journal Read more

ストーリーチューリップの日本の花言葉や物語、歌を紹介した本です。花や植物、ガーデニングが好きな人は、色とりどりのチューリップの写真を見ながら、楽しく日本語が学べます。This book is about the flower language,story and song of tulips.If you like flowers,plants or gardening,you can enjoy learning Japanese while you can enjoy looking at pictures of colorful tulips.・日本語がくしゅうしゃの本です。This is a Japanese Graded Readers book.・ぶんしょうは日本語でかかれています。The text is written in Japanese.・しょきゅう/Beginner. This reading is for Japanese learners whose level is equivalent to Level 2 or Japanese-Language ProficiencyTest (JLPT), Level: N5.・やさしいストーリーです。かんじのつかいかたのれんしゅうになります。 This reading is easy to read, and a good practice to learn how to use phrases and Kanji in storytelling.・かんじにはふりがながついてます。All Kanji is accompany by furigana, readings of Kanji.・iPadで音声機能がつかえます。You can use automated audio/reading function on your iPad. If needed, you can also adjust audio speed by yourself.・この本はクイズがついています。This book has several reading comprehension quizzes.In addition, this book has a special feature that you will have opportunity to communicate with the author by participating in Japanese learners events. Read more

小説家（叔父）×少年（甥）

――私は、ただ、可哀想なあの子を助けたいだけだった。

私にとって岬先生はベストセラーを生み出す、神様のような作家だった。
岬先生は、郊外の屋敷で甥っ子である雄太くんと、その弟の圭太くんの三人で暮らしていた。
岬先生の担当となった編集者の私は、先生の住む屋敷へと足を運び、
全身を痣だらけにした少年・雄太くんと出会う。
私は、先生に暴力を奮われる雄太くんの姿を見て、彼を助けようとするが――

優しげな微笑みを浮かべて甥っ子を殴る先生。
そして、屋敷から逃げ出すことを頑なに拒絶する少年。
殴る叔父と、殴られる甥、その関係には痛ましい秘密があった。

※女性視点で進むお話です。
※エロは少なめです。
※暴力描写があります。苦手な方はお気をつけ下さい。
※本編「箱庭の少年」+書き下ろし番外編「箱庭の外」を合わせた電子書籍です。 Read more

BONSAI JAPANESE MAPLES: Developing Japanese Maples from Seedlings for Bonsai provides step-by-step instructions, tips and information for growing tiny seedlings into outstanding works of art. The satisfaction of displaying a beautiful, refined bonsai tree is undeniable. To say you grew it yourself from a seedling puts you in a superior class of artist. Japanese maples are hardy, graceful trees that epitomize the essence of Japanese bonsai. This book will teach you the methods of growing and developing prized bonsai Japanese maples. Unlike garden nursery trees, bonsai trees require different characteristics for development. This book will teach you to grow an extraordinary root system. Then you will develop magnificent tapered trunks and branches to convey substantial age. BONSAI JAPANESE MAPLES: Developing Japanese Maples from Seedlings for Bonsai is valuable for beginners in the world of bonsai, as well as seasoned bonsai practitioners that want to grow their own masterpieces. Brian Gershuny has owned and operated Okami Gardens Bonsai Nursery, growing and training pre-bonsai and finished trees, for over 30 years. Read more

Brisbane: Australia’s River City AwaitsBrisbane, the capital of Queensland, is a city of endless sunshine, lush riverfront parks, and a laid-back yet vibrant urban atmosphere. Nestled on the banks of the Brisbane River and surrounded by scenic hills, the city has grown into a cultural hub that blends its rich history with a dynamic arts scene, outdoor adventures, and a thriving food culture. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to discover more, Brisbane promises a memorable experience.At the heart of the city is the Brisbane River, which winds its way through the urban landscape, creating an inviting atmosphere for both locals and visitors to enjoy. The iconic CityCat ferries are the perfect way to explore the river, offering stunning views of the city skyline, bridges, and parklands. For those who prefer to explore by foot, the Kangaroo Point Cliffs provide an unbeatable vantage point. These towering cliffs overlook the river and city and are a hotspot for rock climbing and sunset picnics.Brisbane’s cultural scene is centered around South Bank, a lively precinct known for its galleries, museums, and the picturesque Streets Beach—Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach. Here, you can wander through the renowned Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), which showcases thought-provoking exhibitions from both Australian and international artists. Nearby, the Queensland Museum dives into the natural and social history of the region, offering a glimpse into Queensland’s past and future. South Bank is also home to countless festivals and events, making it the cultural pulse of Brisbane.A short walk from South Bank, you'll find The Brisbane Botanic Gardens at Mount Coot-tha, a lush oasis of themed gardens, including the world-renowned Japanese Garden. If you're a nature lover or simply looking for some tranquility, a stroll through these gardens is a must. From here, take a trip up to the *Mount Coot-tha Lookout* for breathtaking panoramic views of the city, river, and surrounding mountains.For a taste of Brisbane’s bustling urban life, head to *Fortitude Valley. Known for its nightlife, live music, and trendy restaurants, the Valley is where Brisbane’s creative energy shines brightest. By day, its streets are lined with boutique shops, art galleries, and cozy cafes, while by night, it transforms into a vibrant party district. Don’t miss James Street, a chic shopping and dining destination, where you’ll find some of the best food, fashion, and design in the city.No visit to Brisbane is complete without indulging in its thriving food scene. The city’s multicultural roots are reflected in its diverse culinary offerings, from the street food stalls at Eat Street Northshore to the gourmet dining experiences along the Eagle Street Pier. Enjoy fresh seafood, farm-to-table creations, and fusion flavors as you dine with views of the sparkling river. Brisbane’s love for local produce and craft beverages is evident in its many markets and microbreweries, where you can sample everything from artisanal coffee to boutique wines and craft beers.Brisbane is calling, and now is the perfect time to answer. Whether you’re seeking adventure, culture, or relaxation, this vibrant city has something for everyone. Don’t just visit—immerse yourself in Brisbane’s unique charm. Book your trip today and discover why this sun-soaked city is one of Australia’s most beloved destinations. Read more

Brackenridge Park began its life as a heavily wooded, bucolic driving park at the turn of the twentieth century. Over the next 120 years it evolved into the sprawling, multifaceted jewel San Antonians enjoy today, home to the San Antonio Zoo, the state’s first public golf course, the Japanese Tea Garden, the Sunken Garden Theater, and the Witte Museum.The land that Brackenridge Park occupies, near the San Antonio River headwaters, has been reinvented many times over. People have gathered there since prehistoric times. Following the city’s founding in 1718, the land was used to channel river water into town via a system of acequias; its limestone cliffs were quarried for building materials; and it was the site of a Civil War tannery, headquarters for two military camps, a plant nursery, and a racetrack.The park continues to be a  site of national acclaim even while major sections have fallen into disrepair. The more than 400 acres that constitute San Antonio’s flagship urban park are made up of half a dozen parcels stitched together over time to create an uncommon varied landscape. Uniquely San Antonian, Brackenridge is full of romantic wooded walks and whimsical public spaces drawing tourists, locals, wildlife, and waterfowl.Extensively researched and illustrated with some two hundred archival photographs and vintage postcards, Brackenridge: San Antonio’s Acclaimed Urban Park is the first comprehensive look at the fascinating story of this unique park and how its diverse layers evolved to create one of the city’s foremost gathering places. Read more

Enter a world of serene landscapes and profound tranquility with "Tranquil Contemplations," a guide that transcends the boundaries of mere garden design into the realms of spiritual enrichment and aesthetic delight. This eBook invites you on a contemplative journey, exploring the delicate relationship between nature, philosophy, and artistry through the lens of Japanese gardens."Tranquil Contemplations" sets its foundation by delving into the philosophical roots of Japanese gardens, weaving a narrative that spans from the influence of Zen Buddhism and Shintoism to the elegant embrace of imperfection known as Wabi-Sabi. It meticulously unravels the principles that craft not just a garden, but a living tapestry of harmony.History enthusiasts and newcomers alike will savor the deep dive into the evolution of these serene landscapes. Discover ancient origins, embrace the Zen revolution of the Muromachi Period, and observe the enduring touch of modernity on these tranquil havens.The strategy behind crafting your own Japanese garden, regardless of space or location, is unveiled as a tangible dream. From the spiritual symbolism etched into the stepping stones of pathways to the meticulous care in selecting flora that captivates seasonal beauty, every element is a step toward crafting your serene getaway.Each chapter unfolds a layer of the intimate connection between cultural significance and aesthetic beauty. Learn about the traditional Sakuteiki text that still influences contemporary design, the quintessence of Koi ponds, and the ceremonial importance of the tea garden—all elements that lead you down the path to creating a realm of tranquility in your own space.Drawing inspiration from exemplary gardens worldwide, "Tranquil Contemplations" doesn't just teach you about the gardens—it shows you their therapeutic potential and their educational value. It is both a scholarly exploration and a practical guide.So whether you are seeking a meditative read, inspiration for your own garden creation, or an encounter with landscapes that have inspired awe for centuries, this eBook serves as your compass to finding peace within the design and depth of Japanese gardens. As you transcend from chapter to chapter, let yourself be enveloped by the serenity of nature, history, and design that "Tranquil Contemplations" so elegantly orchestrates. Your journey to a personal oasis begins within these pages. Read more

Dive into the serene world of Japanese garden design with "Rocks and Ripples," your comprehensive guide to one of the most delicate and elaborate art forms that harmonizes nature, spirituality, and aesthetics. This eBook unveils the secrets of creating tranquil garden spaces that have captivated hearts and minds for centuries and remain as relevant today as they were in ancient times.Unearth the Philosophical Foundations in Chapter 1, where we explore the profound connections between nature and the Japanese concepts of Wabi-Sabi, along with the influences of Taoism, Zen Buddhism, and Shinto. Understand how imperfection is celebrated, and how every stone, every placement holds a deeper meaning.As you venture through the chapters, decipher the silent language of Karesansui gardens in Chapter 2, and learn how to craft stories through the strategic placement of stones and ripples in the gravel. Chapter 3 is dedicated to the artisanal selection and placement of stones, teaching you to speak through the silent poetry of rocks.Wander across garden bridges in Chapter 5, where each arch and material whispers tales of history and function. Delve into the subtle interplay of light and darkness with the strategic placement of lanterns and pagodas in Chapter 7, lighting the way to the spiritual depths of the Zen gardens explored in Chapter 8.Blooms and greens take center stage in Chapter 6, revealing the secret life of plants in the garden, while Chapter 9 invites you to the intimate setting of tea ceremonies and their profound impact on garden design. Witness the dance of the seasons in Chapter 10 as you engage with a living canvas that reveals the ephemeral beauty of life."Rocks and Ripples" goes beyond the visuals and touches on culture in Chapter 11, examining the transcultural impact of these landscapes beyond their birthplace. Chapter 12 delves into the therapeutic qualities of gardens, highlighting their role in well-being and communal development. Deepen your appreciation through Chapters 13 to 20, which draw you into preservation efforts, craftsmanship, narrative interpretations, and the temporal dynamics at play in Japanese gardens. This guide culminates with a resource-rich Chapter 20, practically supporting you in creating your slice of heaven.Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a student of design, or a seeker of tranquility, “Rocks and Ripples” opens a path to mastery in understanding and crafting the Japanese garden, an embodiment of philosophy, art, and nature in harmony. Embark on this journey and cultivate not only landscapes but your inner peace. Read more