Elizabeth Murray (1) (1953–)

I have always been interested in the spirit of the garden, and this book tells of an incredibly personal journey that author Elizabeth Murray relates in a touching, yet practical manner. She begins with Winter, a time when many gardeners are craving the sunshine and earth smells that the season denies us, and shows us how to enjoy the dormant period even though we cannot be actively hoeing and seeding. Murray has made my experience of gardening much more holistic and thoughtful. I encourage anyone who sees gardening as a chore, or who is searching for inspiration, to read this book.… (mer)

With a very limited knowledge of art and art history, I was a bit wary of a detailed book such as this - I thought it might be too much analysis for me. Luckily, it turned out to be the perfect book! I love knowing the WHY and where of paintings, not just painting technique. I like to know the history of the subject, the reason for the painting, the logistics of making the painting, etc. And this book fulfilled those wishes in ways I'd never imagined! It was a joy to read, and I I have spent hours and hours poring over the diagrams, photos, and other extras. You learn where paintings were made from, what plants grew when and why Monet painted when/where, and you learn all about the changes that take place over a year.

I read the book straight through when I first received it, and thought I was finished. I have found myself, though, coming back to it again and again, to re-read something for enjoyment, or to check on my memory of a plant or a pond. This will be a book that I keep for very very long time!… (mer)

Monet's Passion is a beautiful book, full of pictures and drawings of Monet's gardens at Giverny, laid out in three chapters plus appendices.

The first section gives the background of the period of Monet's life he spent creating and painting these gardens. There are historical and modern photos of the house and gardens and some of the paintings created there. The section ends with beautifully drawn plans of the gardens.

The second chapter is devoted to lush photographs of the gardens today, with descriptions and explanations. The pictures will delight both gardeners and fans of Monet's work.

Chapter three has plans and suggestions for creating some of Monet's effects in your own garden. It is illustrated with photographs and drawings with overlays. This section does not go into a lot of detail, but has some great ideas for experienced gardeners.

The appendices cover a guide to many of the plants mentioned and used by Monet (including north american hardiness ratings), a list of plants used by Monet in his garden, a chronology of events in Monet's life and his garden, and some information about colour and the palette Monet used. There is also a bibliography and list of Web resources.

The author spent most of a year working at the Giverny garden, and has visited it annually since then. Her love of the gardens comes through very clearly throughout the book. I think this book would be enjoyed by gardeners, photographers, artists, and those who appreciate Monet's work. The only thing that would have added to my enjoyment would be more comparisons of Monet's paintings with the garden photographs.… (mer)