Creating a Garden Retreat by Virginia Johnson

Creating a Garden Retreat by Virginia Johnson 

This book came out in 2022, and the subtitle is An Artist's Guide to Planting an Outdoor Sanctuary.

And I want you to key in on that word artist because Virginia is an artist, and here's what Workman, the publisher, wrote about Virginia's book:

Through ethereal illustrations, textile designer and artist Virginia Johnson takes the reader on her own garden journey, from blank slate to dreamscape.

Over the years, she has transformed a small, narrow city lot into a garden that is personal, carefree, wild, and welcoming. It all began with a fence to allow her children to play freely... [Virginia] explains her process with ease and clarity, bringing her ideas to life through words and illustrations so that readers can be encouraged and empowered to start their own garden journeys. This book is organized into clear chapters: trees and shrubs, vines, flowers, seasons, edibles, and more.

What I like best about this book is that it feels like I am reading Virginia's garden journal. It's so friendly.

From the handwriting font to the beautiful sketches, this is truly an artist putting together a garden book.

In Creating a Garden Retreat, Virginia invites us into her world, sharing the secrets of her horticultural artistry. With a touch of whimsy and a dash of drama, she guides us through the process of transforming a blank canvas into a personal paradise.

Virginia's garden is a testament to the power of imagination. From the towering hornbeams that stand guard to the riotous blooms of peonies and roses, every element is carefully chosen to evoke a sense of tranquility and beauty. Virginia's illustrations, with their ethereal quality, capture the essence of her garden, inviting us to dream of our own green spaces.

As you might have anticipated, the art in this book—the watercolors—is just gorgeous. They're breezy and casual, and they accompany every single page, making this book such a joy to read.

The other thing that I love about what Virginia did with this book is she personalizes everything. She doesn't just talk about a plant. She talks about the plant and her family, and her life.

Let me give you an example. Here, she's talking about her trees and shrubs, and she has this little section on Magnolia with beautiful watercolors of Magnolia.

I think these are the prettiest trees on the planet, but would they be too big for my garden? 
The classic saucer magnolia grows to 30 feet high and wide, but the magnolias in the US National Arboretum's "girls" series grow only 15 feet high. It being mid-May, they were in flower and quite irresistible.

I love the teacup shape of their blossoms. I love their architectural profile, too: multistemmed, with graceful, outreaching branches. chose the deep-magenta-blooming 'Ann' to remind me of my grandmother.

See what I mean? Virginia's talking about the Magnolia; she shares this great tip about the smaller, more compact Magnolias available. And then, she personalized the Magnolia by telling us which one she picked and her emotional connection to that plant.

Another aspect that I  like about Virginia's book is that you can tell that she is cultured - that she has done some living. She's a traveler, a reader, and yes, she is a romantic. (You can tell by the flowers she picks for her garden).

I wanted to share another little snippet, and this one is from a little section where she talks about vines.

Vines have always had romantic associations for me. Trailing vines, climbing vines: the words themselves are lyrical and promise not just growth but a plant that wants to wriggle away like a child, to explore and attempt daring feats, scaling walls and structures and houses all while showing off. 

Trail, trail went Mrs. Wilcox's dresses through the garden in E. M. Forster's novel Howards End. Trailing vines are their own kind of loveliness, less about exploring than falling gracefully over the side of an urn or doorframe. And they're so fun to paint; you have to get the feeling of them,get inside them, capture their abundance and movement.

Virginia is also practical and thrifty, and that's a beautiful counterpoint to her artistic and evocative side.
Virginia shares:

As a beginner gardener and a pragmatist, I spend my energy on perennial plants, not annuals. Who wants to plant a bunch of things that won't come up again next year? Of course, I do buy a few annuals, but only for pots. I know that they will look pretty and add color and that at the end of the year, they'll have completed their lives. But because I wanted a garden that would come up by itself, without my having to replant every spring, I researched mainly perennials. 

I also wanted blooms staggered throughout the growing season, so I took into account what was already in place: pear blossoms and lilacs in May, climbing hydrangeas in July and August. The peonies and roses would flower in June, but at different times, while the hollyhocks would peak in July and August. It would all be a leap of faith.

Well, leap, she did. Virginia is one of us. She is a gardener through and through. This book contains many wonderful relatable moments and delightful little snippets that make you laugh, smile, and nod in agreement.

But this is not just a book about aesthetics. Virginia also shares practical advice on plant selection, maintenance, and design. With clarity and enthusiasm, she explains her process, empowering us to create our own garden retreats. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this book offers valuable insights and inspiration.

I want to share one final little excerpt. And this is where she's talking about dining Alfresco. And I thought this was great because, hopefully, we will have a few more opportunities to eat outside with family and friends before fall gives away winter.

Here's Virginia Johnson on dining Alfresco.

On a vacation in Greece, during a long drive through the mountains, our kids were ravenous, but the nearest village was closed for afternoon siesta. Where to eat? My husband approached a taverna, explaining our situation in halting Greek. The cook fired up the stove and soon emerged with a steaming frittata, which my picky kids gobbled up.

Ever since then, the frittata has become a family staple. Eggs, potatoes, salt, and a sprinkling of rosemary from our garden - that's it. We re-create the memorable meal and enjoy it in our own backyard, wearing our straw hats and imagining we're back in that Greek village.

Well, this book is 192 pages of beautiful memories like that, and it's all built around the garden and being a gardener.

So, let's embark on a journey of discovery together. Let's create a garden that is as unique and personal as we are. With Virginia's guidance, we can turn our dreams into reality and find solace in the beauty of nature.

You can get a copy of Creating a Garden Retreat by Virginia Johnson and support the show using the Amazon link in today's show notes for around $14.