Shocking Beauty

by Thomas Hobbs

Creating a garden is an endless and enormous task, appearing so formidable that many people, out of fear, choose not to bother. But as author Thomas Hobbs illustrates in this astounding book, once you take the plunge into garden creation it becomes such a thrill of accomplishment, providing so much personal pleasure, that you never want to turn back.Shocking Beauty is an in-depth gardening book with a twist-it enables you to discover what it takes to stop people in their tracks and realize how stunning nature can be. In order to do this, Hobbs shows how freeing up the mind from the bonds of conventional garden design concepts can result in gardens of singular allure. Luxuriantly illustrated with over 200 striking full-color photographs, this thought-provoking book will inspire people who've never gardened before and invigorate the passions of those who already know the joy of gardening.

Genres: Gardening, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published September 15, 1999

Reviews

[Florence (Lefty) MacIntosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book, exactly what I expected from Vancouver’s most flamboyant & passionate gardener. Yes, the writing style is extravagant, his opinions and concepts on garden design often over-the-top. Thomas doesn't just plant flowers after all, he 'stages incidents'; rather than just potting up he creates 'portable drama'.

Great book for creative ideas, in particular if you like to make the odd 'shocking garden statement' yourself. Just leafing through the artful photography will inspire you to try something a little different. Be forewarned, this book will have you ripping out all yellow & red tulips combinations, clichés just won’t cut it for you anymore.

Note: Thomas lives in Vancouver BC where he has the luxury of a zone 8 climate zone. So if you live in a less moderate part of the country, I'm not sure this would be much value to you.

[Tatjana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh man!
What a let down!
There was nothing shocking about the boring plantings in this book. The photos were grainy and I'm not certain the text was edited... a personal pet peeve of mine. Oh have I mentioned it before? Hm.
I was hoping for some unusual elements and/or creative combinations... but the most unusual thing was the use of bowling balls as edging.
Yeah... not so shocking. Also, it is important to note that the vast majority of the plantings seemed to be west coast plantings. If you are new to planting combinations and happen to live on the West Coast, there are better books. Sorry.
Skip it.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

The gardens in this book are top notch, but the grammatical errors, flowery type, and the occasional blurry photograph were distracting. Read Hobbes' other book, The Jewel Box Garden. Gorgeous photographs in that one.

[Michael Heath-Caldwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book on landscape design.

[Barb Graf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the pictures in this beautiful book; very nice composition and use of color and contrast. Just looking at the lovely scenes makes me want to be in those very charming places.

[Covenant Presbyterian Springfield Ohio]

Call Number: 712 HOB

A gift from Ralph and Kayanne GARBER DAY in memory of former Covenant members: Louise COATES HARDIE and James Bryson HARDIE.

Checked Out.

[Wendelle]

wonderful gardening guide