A sumptuous coffee table book with glossy photographs and a lot of information, Helena Attlee has made garden history her subject for over 20 years. A busy lady, enthusiastic and well informed she writes and lectures on garden design and leads specialist tours throughout Portugal, Italy and Spain.
The book opens with an outline history of the principal gardens in Portugal. Twenty great gardens are featured, travelling from north to south, many of which lie around Lisbon and Porto. All of them borrow from the country’s rich sea-faring history bringing together a fusion of styles and ideas from east to west in a flamboyant mix.
Of course, tiles are everywhere, adorning pots and garden walls up to the great domed ceilings of pavilions. Exotic plants and trees are abundant in the mild and humid parts of the country, while further south elaborate stone structures play a large part of the design.
Thousands of people come to Portugal every week of the year, but sadly few of them seek out these beautiful gardens. The temperate climate makes the visiting season long and there is always something amazing to see. Some of the gardens described in this book are open to the public but the private ones can be visited by appointment only. There are useful details added with phone numbers and websites and the local tourist office is always available to help.
I would say that all of the gardens in this book are worth a visit. Most of them were constructed in the golden age that occurred at the beginning of the 16th century when Portugal was one of the richest countries in Europe. Now neglected and somewhat faded, today they seem shadows of their former glories, but many plants and features have survived against all odds.
Azulejos, the Portuguese tiles, are very prevalent in gardens in central Portugal and the Baroque and Arabic influences offer many treats creating attractive vistas around every corner.
In this beautiful book there is inspiration for each and every one of us. It is packed with stunning photographs on almost every page, gripping to read and will certainly make you want to jump in the car and head up to the nearest garden to see for yourself. Failing that, just curl up with the book and glean ideas for your own patch of earth or backyard. Just turn the pages for a fascinating voyage of discovery and a glimpse into Portugal’s rich and romantic past.
A book to treasure for every gardener and lover of beautiful landscapes.
Available from The Owl Story English Bookshop Lagos at €40 or as a SPECIAL OFFER bring this review and pay only €38.00
Review by Wendy Davies
