Thanks in advance.
Richard Schulman
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Oxford College of Garden Design
Dear Richard
Depending on the depth of knowledge you require I would recommend two books.
1) The John Brookes Garden Design Book By John Brookes (surprise surprise!)
ISBN 0-86318-638-6
2) Residential Landscape Architecture (Design Process for the private
residence) Great book!! By Booth and Hiss ISBN 0-13-775354-3
Are you studying landscape Architecture or are you looking to design your own
garden?
If you are interested we run design courses in San Francisco which may be of
interest http://www.loud-n-clear.com/gardendesign
Hope this is of help
>What are the best books to read up on to understand the basic
>principals of landscape architecture for residences?
>Thanks in advance.
>Richard Schulman
Some very interesting books I have found are:
"American Landscape Architecture: Designers and Places" edited by
Tishler.
This book gives an history of innovative American landscapists and
landscapes starting with Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) and ending with
Thomas Church (1902-78). Also included is my favorite-- Olmstead
(1822-1903).
A lot can be learned from the history of this subject since not only
are the concepts presented timeless, but in this day and age an
awareness of and sensitivity to nature is easily misplaced (especially
in "corporate" landscape architecture. (See Landscape Architecture
Magazine for many examples of this).
"Nature's Design: A Practical Guide to Natural Landscaping" by Carol
A. Smyser is not written for the professional but it is so
comprehensive that I can't imagine a professional textbook having any
essential information that's not included here. Since it's theme is
"natural" I especially like it being an Olmstead fan.
"Frederick Law Olmstead: Designing the American Landscape" by
Beveridge and Rocheleau is big, expensive and breathtaking. My two
favorite creations here are Fairstead where Olmstead lived and worked
for a time, (check out his house!) and Biltmore Estate, built for
George W. Vanderbilt-- now that is quintessential opulence!
"Places of the Soul"-Architecture and Environmental Design as a Healing
Art, is written by Christopher Day, and emphasizes the homey feel for
place and building over the artificial landscape...seems pretty good.