From Booklist
In the space of a small yet breathtakingly verdant city lot on Washington's Bainbridge Island, artists George Little and David Lewis tend a brilliant garden where theatricality guides the design plan. In their first book, these multitalented collaborators open the gate to their studio and garden to set forth a refreshing approach to designing a lush retreat. Having helped put the "tropical" style of gardening on the horticultural map, Little and Lewis freely exchange savvy tips on garden construction, plant cultivation, water gardening, and the use of color. Creators of inventive water features and fantastical concrete sculptures--ancient-looking columns, enormous leaves in entrancing hues--Little and Lewis describe how they bring together sculptural elements and dramatic plant combinations. The fabulous photography captures tableaux at every juncture in the artists' outdoor sanctuary and in other exceptional garden realms. An inspiration to budding and accomplished gardeners alike, the Little and Lewis philosophy is suffused with a generosity of spirit that seems to characterize today's great garden makers. Alice Joyce
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Book Description
Celebrated internationally as artists and gardeners, George Little and David Lewis open the gates to their renowned garden retreat and share the personalities and enthusiasms that have shaped its wild fantasia of plants, hardscape, and art. Little and Lewis are long-time collaborators whose concrete sculptures and installations have been collected around the world. Their Puget Sound garden is the primary showcase for their artwork but also for the unique gardening qualities that epitomize their style. Water features, oversized and broadleaved plants, expansive use of color, zone-pushing tropicals, architectural emphasis, and elements of classicism and mystery --- all combine to create a deeply personal and magical space. In this long-awaited book, Little and Lewis describe how any gardener can achieve this kind of excitement and space for reflection in his or her backyard. From practical advice on how to make a slow-drip natural fountain, choose complementary colors, or build an inexpensive Tuscan-style wall to conceptual discussions on laying out borders and making use of water, Little and Lewis offer inspiration and encourage gardeners to use imagination and take risks. Stunning and unforgettable photographs by Barbara Denk provide a lush visual interpretation, while NPR's "Doyenne of Dirt," Ketzel Levine, describes the authors' important influence on the gardening community.


From the Inside Flap
Celebrated internationally as artists and gardeners, George Little and David Lewis open the gates to their renowned garden retreat and share the personalities and enthusiasms that have shaped its wild fantasia of plants, hardscape, and art.Little and Lewis are long-time collaborators whose concrete sculptures and installations have been collected around the world. Their Puget Sound garden is the primary showcase for their artwork but also for the unique gardening qualities that epitomize their style. Water features, oversized and broad-leaf plants, expansive use of color, zone-pushing tropicals, architectural emphasis, and elements of classicism and mystery --- all combine to create a deeply personal and magical space. In this long-awaited book, Little and Lewis describe how any gardener can achieve this kind of excitement and space for reflection in his or her backyard.From practical advice on how to make a slow-drip natural fountain, choose complementary colors, or build an inexpensive Tuscan-style wall to conceptual discussions on laying out borders and making use of water, Little and Lewis offer inspiration and encourage gardeners to use imagination and take risks. Stunning and unforgettable photographs by Barbara Denk provide a lush visual interpretation, while NPR's "Doyenne of Dirt," Ketzel Levine, describes the authors' important influence on the gardening community.Throughout A Garden Gallery, Little and Lewis take turns speaking about their garden, their methods, and how two artist-gardeners have managed to work together peacefully for so many years. It's a fascinating look at a creative partnership that came about spontaneously, succeeded quickly, and, like their garden, continues to evolve and grow.


About the Author
David Lewis combined his studies in a career as an archaeological illustrator. He was based in Corinth, Greece, for several years before moving to the Pacific Northwest and co-founding Little and Lewis, Inc., in 1992. He and George Little now live on Bainbridge Island, in Washington State, working in a studio surrounded by their internationally known garden gallery. Their color-washed concrete sculptures and installations can be found in homes and gardens throughout the world, while thousands of enthusiasts visit their private garden each year. George Little has been a watercolorist and sculptor for more than thirty years and was an instructor at the Seattle Art Institute before co-founding Little and Lewis, Inc., in 1992. He and David Lewis now live on Bainbridge Island, in Washington State, working in a studio surrounded by their internationally known garden gallery. Their color-washed concrete sculptures and installations can be found in homes and gardens throughout the world, while thousands of enthusiasts visit their private garden each year.

FROM THE PUBLISHER