Secret Gardens of the Cotswolds (1): Volume 1

I am so proud of my copy of this book as I have watched its author grow up and become a master craftsman with words. Her love of gardens illuminates every page and is matched by the skills of the photographer too. Between them they provide a beguiling experience for those of us not lucky enough to be able to visit these secret gardens in person. Books are not of course a substitute for the actual visit but they can offer an alternative aesthetic experience. I would love to hear what a blind reader thinks of Victoria Summerley's writing. If I owned one of these gardens I would be deeply satisfied to have it described so beautifully. The owners are also introduced in an interesting and personal way as they share their secrets with us. Finally, there is so much information about the plants presented clearly and unpretentiously so that the readers can increase their knowledge. Readers from overseas in particular will gain a true picture of a captivating part of our country. I love this book!

This is a beautiful and informative book, of especial interest to those who live in the Cotswolds, but one that can be enjoyed by anyone who likes gardens, even if, like me, your actual gardening is confined to planting a few bulbs and tidying up. Most of the gardens in the book can be visited, and there is a delightfully domestic appeal even to the grandest of them, enhanced very often by photographs of the current owners. There is plenty of technical horticultural information for keen gardeners, so this book can be enjoyed by those who love to work in gardens as well as those who just enjoy looking.

Bought this as a present but looked through it- new and excellent for anyone interested in Cotswolds gardens- not all open to public but really detailed and interesting with detail of who lives in the houses- a detailed book rather tha. One containing lots- the recipient thought it excellent- lovely pictures and informative.

It is perhaps pushing it a bit to call some of the gardens in this book 'secret': whilst the gardens in this book are lesser known than, say, Hidcote, Kiftsgate or Buscot Park, some like Bourton House, Daylesford & Sezincote are well known locally. The book covers twenty gardens, some open regularly, others with limited openings under the National Gardens Scheme, and others which do not open to the public at all. Each gets five or six pages with a description of the garden and its history, plus images large and small of the gardens. It is a lovely selection and you do get a feel for the gardens.

I bought as this is the sister book to the new "Secret Houses of the Cotswolds" which I bought for £20, admittedly at a book signing at one of the Houses mentioned. Good quality & photos, so buy them both from Amazon!

Great present for my mum - thanks

A well=written book with excellent photographs showing 20 of the best gardens in the Cotswolds.

a little disappointed with this. Not what I was looking for

What a wonderful book to showcase the hidden gems of private gardens in the UK. Very well written and the photographs are are stunning. An excellent table book for any garden enthusiast!

I’m loving this book! As a woman who as a child spent a lot of time with her grandmother digging in the dirt, this book made me smile. I love the history and stories behind the gardens. Long obsessed with the Cotswolds, I’m going to finally visit them this summer and I couldn’t be more excited!

Alles bestens, vielen Dank!

J'ai acheté ce livre pour continuer à travers les photos à voyager dans les Cotswolds et admirer les paysages et les manoirs.Pour rêver !Je ne suis pas déçue. Je peux continuer m'imaginer vivre dans cette merveilleuse région.

Bellissimo libro con illustrazioni di cottage e giardini famosi. Ricco di illustrazioni molto suggestive. Non ha deluso le mie aspettative.