In rural Auburn, California, Shatoiya and Richard de la Tour have created an elaborate herb garden full of secret pathways and hidden rooms. Open to the public during the day, the garden has become their home, their religion, and their livelihood. "On our two and a half acres we now have ten theme gardens, three ponds, a nursery, two classrooms, a cabin for overnight students, an herb-drying shed, a chicken coop, a llama pen, and a thriving herb shop."

In The Herbalist's Garden, the de la Tours survey nine other herb gardens along with their own, covering regions from British Columbia to Connecticut. Most of the gardeners profiled here are hippies of the first order: they build peace signs into their garden design and would rather die than use a pesticide. Perhaps the most remarkable character profiled is John Forti, owner of Plimoth Plantation, a garden with a sign at the entrance that declares, "Welcome to the 17th Century." At Plimoth Plantation, staffers dress like pilgrims, wearing wide-brimmed hats and long, hot dresses.

Such eccentrics make The Herbalist's Garden an entertaining read, yet it's also informative, with wide-ranging advice on the medicinal and mystical uses of herbs. Throughout, inspirational tidbits such as, "In the core of our being, we yearn to be connected to something real" indicate that the de la Tours clearly have a life philosophy they hope to get across. Somewhere between a coffee-table book, a manifesto of spiritual inspiration, and a practical guide to plant use, The Herbalist's Garden transports the reader in many ways--and the photos are to die for. --Emily White


From Library Journal
Gardens take many forms and serve many purposes. For some, the harvest is paramount, while for others the entire journey is meaningful. This title takes readers on a journey through ten beautiful herb gardens (five in California, four in other states, and one in Canada). The gardens include the authors' Dry Creek Herb Farm, well-known author Dr. James Duke's Farmacy Garden, and the historically accurate Plimoth Plantation. Each section covers the garden's history and the owner's philosophy, including two or three of their favorite herbs with instructions for growing and using them. The herbs range from the common, like basil, to the unusual, such as elecampane, and can generally be grown in a wide variety of USDA zones. The beautiful photographs help set this title's peaceful tone. Somewhat spiritual but never preachy, this book will appeal to most gardeners and should be in all public libraries. Jonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., Akron Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.


Book Description
People travel from all over the world to visit the North American gardens of renowned herbalists Rosemary Gladstar, Adelma Simmons, Dr. James Duke, and others. Now you can explore these beautiful surroundings without ever leaving your armchair! In THE HERBALIST'S GARDEN Shatoiya and Richard de la Tour lead you inside the garden gates of ten of North America's most enchanting herb gardens. And they invite you to share a personal "chat" with the gardeners who tend and love these remarkable healing and healthful plants. Come take a close look at the gardens through the beautiful images taken by award-winning photographer Saxon Holt. You'll hear these celebrated gardeners and herbalists describe the dreams that inspired their green thumb, the greatest joys they find in herb gardening, the challenges they've experienced in the garden, and what their most beloved plants are. The gardeners featured in this book offer their own personal recipes for healthful foods and healing remedies, tips on how to care for particular plants, and ideas for designing a garden of your own. Their deep commitment to their gardens will leave you with fresh energy and a renewed passion for gardening, whether you have a few acres, a few clay pots, or simply a penchant for dreaming.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Enter the gardens of Dr. James A. Duke, Rosemary Gladstar, Louis and Virginia Saso, Candis Cantin-Packard, and other noted herb enthusiasts of North America. Follow in their footsteps as they tend their gardens and reveal their secrets. Hear them tell the stories of how their gardens began and how they have evolved. Share their passion for growing and using herbs to enhance health, well being, and culinary delights. Discover their favorite herbs and how to grow and use them.

People travel from all over the world to visit the gardens of renowned herbalists Dr. James Duke, Rosemary Gladstar, Adelma Simmons, and others. Now you can experience these beautiful surroundings without ever leaving your armchair! In The Herbalist's Garden, Shatoiya and Richard de la Tour lead you inside the garden gates of ten of North America's most enchanting herb gardens. The de la Tours invite you to share a personal "chat" with the gardeners who tend and love some of the world's most remarkable healing plants -- and to take a close-up view of their gardens through beautiful, full-color images from award-winning photographer Saxon Holt.

You'll hear these celebrated gardeners and herbalists describe the dreams that inspired their green thumbs, the greatest joys they find in herb gardening, the challenges they've experienced, and what their most beloved plants are. They also offer their own personal recipes for food and healing remedies, tips on how to care for particular plants, and ideas for designing gardens of your own. Their deep commitment to their gardens will send you away with fresh energy and passion for gardening, whether you have a few acres, a few pots, or simply a penchant for dreaming.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

Gardens take many forms and serve many purposes. For some, the harvest is paramount, while for others the entire journey is meaningful. This title takes readers on a journey through ten beautiful herb gardens (five in California, four in other states, and one in Canada). The gardens include the authors' Dry Creek Herb Farm, well-known author Dr. James Duke's Farmacy Garden, and the historically accurate Plimoth Plantation. Each section covers the garden's history and the owner's philosophy, including two or three of their favorite herbs with instructions for growing and using them. The herbs range from the common, like basil, to the unusual, such as elecampane, and can generally be grown in a wide variety of USDA zones. The beautiful photographs help set this title's peaceful tone. Somewhat spiritual but never preachy, this book will appeal to most gardeners and should be in all public libraries. Jonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., Akron Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

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