There are lots of reasons to visit Morocco ... but a lot of travel books never mention the fabulous gardens that are a must-see for any garden lover. Monacelli Press has issued a lovely new book that would interest anyone who wants to visit Morocco or to know more about desert landscapes, gardens with ancient antecedents, walled courtyard gardens and Moorish style in general.
Morocco Courtyards and Gardens (Monacelli Press, 2007) is written by Achva Benzinberg Stein, director
of the Graduate Landscape Architecture Program at City College of New
York.
In this beautifully illustrated book (200+ color photos), she transports you to the restored 15-acre gardens of the Arsat El Mamoun (now the Hotel Mamounia); the renowned El Badi Palace;the intricate paved patios of urban houses and mosques, some dating back to the 14th century; and the large working farms and pleasure gardens of wealthy landowners.
Stein relates all of these gardens to Moroccan history,the cultural
traditions that incorporate ancient Roman, Moresque, and Asian
influences, and she discusses the importance of gardens in Moroccan
history and in today's modern culture.
Most homes and commercial buildings in the country are organized around interior courtyards, so this book serves as a primer for any designer on the elements necessary to achieve a successful courtyard in any landscape. In this book, courtyards include native plant life, beautiful water features, and of course, the intricate patterned tiles that are central to the country's culture and climate. The book is also filled with tips on shade gardening and ways to promote breezes in hot and arid landscapes.
The photos in this book are particularly worth study -- as many of the classic designs could easily apply to many a back yard, herb garden, or vertical element in the landscape.
(click on image to purchase book)
I want to see Morocco and Tunisia. From the shores of Tunisia one can see Italy, where I can dream of visiting after saying "Ciao!" to Africa.
Thanks for the fine Moroccan Gardens book resource.
Posted by: Tim Colman | January 11, 2008 at 06:55 AM