What is a Pattern Garden?

A pattern garden is not merely pretty but designed to truly satisfy. Certain fundamental, universal elements, or patterns, appeal to human nature: the intimacy of a plant-filled enclosure, the soothing reflection on water's surface, the pleasure of dappled sun beneath a pergola, the promise of a curving path. And just as elements like bay windows and covered porches make a house comfortable and desirable, a garden that is designed with consideration for these patterns becomes more welcoming.

In A Pattern Garden, author Valerie Easton adapts the ideas put forth in architect Christopher Alexander's book, A Pattern Language, and applies them to garden design. She translates archetypal ideas into 14 specific patterns that can be used to create gardens that appeal on an emotional level.

Read about the 14 garden patterns

Buy the book at TimberPress.com

Copyright ©2007 Timber Press, Inc. Text excerpts from A Pattern Garden copyright © Valerie Easton. Photographs copyright © Jacqueline Koch, except photos on Bridges, Gates, and Shelters pages copyright © Allan Mandell; and photo on Water page copyright © Richard Hartlage. All rights reserved. Posted with permission of the publisher.