Imagine stepping through the gates of Bunny Williams' enchanting eighteenth-century manor house in Northwestern Connecticut, where every corner tells a story of nature and design intertwined. This isn't just another gardening book—it's a journey through one of America's most beloved garden destinations, a popular stop on the Garden Conservancy circuit that draws visitors from around the world.
Williams' grounds are nothing short of extraordinary, featuring a formal parterre garden, year-round conservatory, productive vegetable garden, sprawling orchard, tranquil woodlands, an aviary filled with exotic fowl, and a rustic poolside Greek Revival folly. Each section comes alive through hundreds of stunning photographs printed on two different specialty stocks, capturing the gardens' beauty in every season and light.
What sets this book apart is Williams' unique approach to blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. Through captivating personal anecdotes and expert advice, she shows how to incorporate natural elements into interior spaces—from magnificent floral arrangements that make bold statements to delicate tablescapes where rescued bird's nests share the spotlight with prized collector's items.
Each garden section includes detailed directories of featured plants, from native ferns and succulents to a wide variety of flowering specimens that thrive in different conditions. Williams generously shares her design philosophy, demonstrating how intentional juxtaposition of high and low elements creates spaces that feel both sophisticated and welcoming. Learn how to place a garden bench to capture the perfect view or arrange cuttings to create seasonal vignettes that transform your home throughout the year.
Whether you're designing a grand estate or simply bringing more nature into your urban space, Bunny Williams: Life in the Garden offers timeless inspiration and practical wisdom for creating spaces that reflect your personal style while honoring the natural world around us.
