California, renowned for its diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, has long been a source of fascination and inspiration. In California Eden: Heritage Landscapes of the Golden State, editors Christine Edstrom O’Hara and Susan Chamberlin take readers on an immersive journey through the storied landscapes that have shaped the identity of the Golden State.
For many people, the concept of landscape is associated with gardens, especially estate gardens. California Eden reaches far beyond the elite circle of private estates; this book highlights a wide range of landscapes from the professional to the vernacular through exceptional essays by distinguished landscape historians. But beyond its breathtaking vistas, the book delves deep into the cultural and historical significance of these landscapes, revealing the untold stories of the people who have inhabited and shaped them over the centuries.
From grand vistas to the historic gardens of Old Monterey, each page demonstrates the unique blend of history, artistry, and ecology that characterizes these cherished places. California Eden celebrates the enduring legacy of these heritage landscapes while highlighting their importance in preserving California’s cultural heritage for future generations. Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist, a history enthusiast, or simply a lover of beauty, this exquisite volume is sure to inspire awe and appreciation for the incomparable beauty of the Golden State.
Co-editors Christine Edstrom O’Hara and Susan Chamberlin bring together these voices from the landscape architecture community to discuss and present the history of both rural and urban landscapes and how they shape (and are shaped by) nature and the people who design them. Entries highlight famous and beloved estate gardens but also more frequently overlooked landscapes such as shopping malls, streetscapes, sports venues, and vernacular sites.
Covering a range of places from a military installation on the California-Mexico border, to the campus of Stanford University, and the Japanese American gardens of San Diego, the essays speak to design as well as the challenges of historic preservation of these-often ephemeral places. As elegant as it is informative, California Eden is an essential book for anyone who is passionate about plants.
