Publisher's Synopsis
After an introductory account of the Vatican buildings and gardens from their beginnings in the 10th century, this book progresses through the features of each garden in the 65-acre estate, interweaving the story of its past with present-day planting, design and pattern.;The first chapter describes the formal Belvedere gardens, designed by the Renaissance architect Donato Bramante, then the Casina, a secluded ornamental pavilion that started the European fashion for garden retreats. There follows a pioneer example of romantic woodland gardening, the Bosco, a grove of ancient trees underplanted with bulbs and studded by fountains.;A special chapter is devoted to patterned gardens, pools and fountains. The final chapter records the gardening year in the kitchen gardens that supply flowers for the altar at St Peter's and food for the papal table.
