Product Description

This volume, written by South East Asian landscape architect and designer Made Wijaya, explains the styles he uses and the inspiration behind his work. The "Collections" as he calls them, have enhanced luxury hotels such as the Bali Hyatt, Amandari, Four Seasons Resort, Jimbarnan, and transformed more than 400 gardens in the tropical world, including the US Ambassador's residence in Jakarta, the former Mustique estate of David Bowie and Wijaya's own Villa Bebek in Bali. Dividing his book into thematic sections, Wijaya has drawn liberally from his portfolio of "Collections", to which he gives such names as "tropical Cotswolds", "ruinscape period" and "bleu marjorelle". He outlines the historical and architectural ideas behind his water gardens, Balinese gardens, paths and paving, floating pavilions, courtyards and so on. The book can also be used as a practical guide with suggestions for achieving similar results. The colour photographs have been taken by the author himself plus an international selection of photographers.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #85049 in Books
• Published on: 2003-10-13
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 208 pages

Customer Reviews

Tropical Garden Design
Whilst this book isn't aimed at people gardening in cool climates, it is truly mouth watering and inspirational. The text is light and refreshing with a few gems thrown in, however, it is the photos and other illustrations which make it worthwhile.

As long as you're not expecting a practical manual of some kind and accept it for what it is - a collection of pictures of the work of one of the most influential designers in that part of the world, you won't be disappointed.

Every time I glance through it, I see something new. My favourite book at the moment and thoroughly recommended.

Tropical Garden Bible

I live in a tropical island, Mauritius, and also own a large garden. I bought this book whilst on holiday in nearby Reunion island and was surprised into how I could transform my garden which seemed like a modern day dump. The innovative aspect of this book acts as a brilliant reference for people in the same situation as myself.
With chatty wit, the inexhaustible landscape designer Made Wijaya seemingly shares all his knowledge of tropical gardens. Wijaya (born Michael White in Australia) known for his intimate knowledge and appreciation of the Balinese culture, reveals a well-traveled, discerning eye for garden style in a wide area of the Asia-Pacific tropics. Richly illustrated with sketches and fine photography, this has the appearance of a coffee table book. Yet Wijaya's anecdotes and criticisms make for a good read. While the author does not get into the nitty-gritty gardener's how-to's, it is an indispensable reference book for anyone wanting to learn more about tropical landscaping.

To impart an understanding of the tropical vernacular, Wijaya brings out a variety of sources for illustration. One entire chapter is devoted to an historical overview of the tropical garden, and it is peppered with old prints and photographs. Throughout the book are paintings, colonial-era vignettes, and nicely drafted sketches. Also useful is Wijaya's list of (mostly) Asian gardens that can be visited for reference or pure enjoyment of the tropical garden. Although the author includes a list of plants that flower in the wet season, there is no other list of botanicals, which would greatly assist the reader seriously involved in garden design. Tropical Garden Design is a style book, and a very entertaining one, at that.

Fantastic!!!
I received this book as a Christmas present last year. So far I find myself picking it up at least two or three times a week. In fact I've got it out again today. No sooner is this book back on the shelf and it's out again. This book is a truly inspirational must have for anyone who is interested in tropical gardening or who's just interested in the Tropics in general. Beautifully illustrated throughout, with both clear photo's and wonderful sketches, it offers many ideas for the gardener that they can recreate in their own gardens that will add an exotic feel anywhere in the UK. For those who aren't so green fingered, this is a great book to flick through - especially on rainy days - and just look at the pictures and wish you were there. If I could give this book more stars I would. It would be great to see some more books by this author, especially if the same standard would be offered.