Looking to escape from the snow? Croton resident Jan Johnsen has just the thing: her new book Floratopia – 110 Flower Garden Ideas for Your Yard, Patio or Balcony.
Whether you’re new to gardening or are an old hand, the book is chock full of ideas to spruce up your property. Published by Countryman Press, it was released on Feb. 16.
Johnsen, who learned her craft first working with a landscape architect in Japan and later with a Versailles-trained French gardener, is an expert at bringing color to the landscape. She has planned the gardens of celebrity homes from Massachusetts to Malibu, as well as right here in Westchester and Fairfield.
Her 256-page book covers six chapters with essential advice such as ‘Hot Weather Flower Garden Tips’, ‘Tiny Space, Tiny Garden’ and ‘Tips for Layering with Flowers’ are accompanied by lush photos and informative captions. It answers common questions to ensure success for gardeners of all skill levels such and tips including ‘Become a Rake Master’ and ‘Should I Cut Back in Winter?’
Johnsen says that book’s release could not be more timely.
“Besides the fact that now is the perfect time to start planning for spring, recently, there has been an influx of people moving to the suburbs in Westchester and Fairfield from New York City,’’ said Johnsen. “These new homeowners are coming to grips with living in a suburban or even rural environment. It is quite a change! Besides learning how to drive our winding roads, they are probably wondering how to spruce up their yards. This book covers it all.’’
Floratopia underscores flowers’ role as pollinator magnets and celebrates their entire lifecycle. Choice tips for butterfly gardens, combining grasses and flowers and deer resistant gardens include recommended cultivars and suggested soil conditions. It also offers illustrated design ideas and showcases beautiful flower combinations that will have you seeing the potential for colorful flowers in all kinds of outdoor spaces, large or small.
This is not Johnsen’s first book. Others published include Heaven Is a Garden, The Spirit of Stone, and Gardentopia.
Details on Floratopia: $30.00 hardcover; ISBN 978-1-68268-598-3
About Jan Johnsen
JAN JOHNSEN began her professional life in Japan in a landscape architecture office. She followed that by working with a Versailles-trained French gardener where she learned all about growing and tending to flowers in the garden. She is a principal in an award-winning landscape design firm, Johnsen Landscapes & Pools, based in Westchester county, NY. Her natural design approach is evident in the landscape design ideas she shares in her books: Heaven Is a Garden, The Spirit of Stone, and Gardentopia.
Press Release : May 17, 2024 9:06:49 AM
Laura Lee