The Stunning (and Literal) Art of Gardening

I know we often write about the science and art of gardening. We get your emails, too, referencing gardening as something that at least some of you do as an artistic outlet.

That makes sense, of course. Gardens are filled with colors, shapes, structures, and patterns. Whether it’s the wispy leaves on a fennel frond or the stout yet delicate petals of an early spring tulip, a garden is a work of art, no matter how small or grand.

While a garden or even a lone flower or plant may be a work of art, some gardeners go quite literally into the art of gardening.

Such is the case with Amy Goldman and Jerry Spagnoli. Goldman’s book, Heirloom Harvest: Modern Daguerretypes of Historic Garden Treasures features over 175 extraordinary photographs, the result of a 15-year collaboration between Goldman, a celebrated plant conservationist and heirloom gardener, and Jerry Spagnoli, one of the world’s foremost daguerreotypists.

Seeds, vegetables, and flowers all appear in this gorgeous collection that celebrates the compositions of the plant world. From squash blossoms to setting seeds, the images here are absolutely stunning and portray both the strength and delicate nature of the plant world in our gardens.

There’s only a small sample here, but I would encourage you to seek out the book. It just may give you a new appreciation of the art growing in your backyard.

From the Science of Gardening to the Art of Gardening, These Stories Touch Our Hearts and Lives

This story comes from our archive that spans over 30 years and includes more than 130 magazine issues of GreenPrints. I love pieces like these that turn stories inspired by nature into prescient life lessons. I hope you do, as well. Enjoy reading!

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Do you view gardening more as a science or an art? Have you ever made art with your garden?