Fletcher Steele, Landscape Architect by Robin Karson
As Heard on The Daily Gardener Podcast:
Fletcher Steele, Landscape Architect by Robin S. Karson
This book came out in 1989, and the subtitle is An Account of the Gardenmaker's Life, 1885-1971.
Robin Karson, in her masterful biography, invites us into Steele's world, revealing the man behind the legend. With a touch of wit and a deep appreciation for the artistry of landscape design, Karson brings Steele to life, painting a vivid portrait of a man who was as complex as his creations.
The beginning of Robin's book includes Steele's most famous quote:
The chief vice in the garden is to be merely... pretty.
Ah, Fletcher Steele, the man who dared to defy the conventional. His gardens were not merely pretty pictures but living, breathing canvases painted with the strokes of nature. A master of the art, he transformed landscapes into works of exquisite beauty, each a testament to his visionary mind and unwavering passion.
By the way, the cover of this book features Fletcher Steele's signature work, The Blue Staircase.
Thanks to Robin, you can enter Fletcher's world, where gardens are more than just places to grow flowers. Steele's creations were grand theatrical productions, each with its own unique drama. He was the director, the set designer, and the leading actor, orchestrating a symphony of color, texture, and form. From the towering majesty of the Blue Staircase to the intimate charm of his private retreats, Steele's gardens were a feast for the senses.
So, dear reader, if you yearn for a garden that is more than just a pretty face, if you crave a tale of passion, creativity, and a touch of the extraordinary, then Fletcher Steele is the man for you. His gardens are a testament to the power of imagination and the beauty that can be found in the most unexpected places.
SI HORTUM IN HORTORIA PODCASTA IN BIBLIOTEHCA HABES, NIHIL DEERIT.