Old-Time Gardens, Newly Set Forth

The collection invites listeners on a gentle walk through some of America’s most treasured historic gardens. Photographs of estates such as Mount Vernon, Van Cortlandt Manor, and the gardens of the Adams and Bartram families are paired with delicate wood‑cut illustrations drawn from eighteenth‑century herbals. Each stop is described with a calm, reverent tone, noting the layout of parterres, the bloom of peonies, and the quiet charm of shaded walks.

In addition to the visual feast, the author weaves in brief historical anecdotes and occasional classical allusions, like a Greek phrase that whispers of ancient wisdom. The book’s design echoes the period it celebrates, featuring decorative drop‑caps, garden‑knot motifs, and even a vintage prescription symbol. Listeners will feel the sweet rhythm of seasons and the timeless pleasure of tending to sun, moon, and star‑lit gardens, all captured in a beautifully curated snapshot of early‑20th‑century garden culture.