The Spirit of Stone: 101 Practical & Creative Stonescaping Ideas for Your Garden

I got a lot out of Johnsen’s previous book, “Heaven is a Garden,” so I must say that I had high expectations for “The Spirit of Stone.” My initial reaction is that I wish she had finished it sooner. I completed several design contracts last year that involved extensive stone work, and there is information in this book that would have helped each of them.Johnsen’s greatest talents as a designer are her ability to immediately recognize the innate purpose of a given space and her incomparable vocabulary of various design elements, both living and innate. And every one of her designs that I have visited features exceptional stonework. But what makes her an incredibly successful practicing designer is her ability to explain form and function in ways that the uninitiated can easily grasp. All of these are products of decades of experience and a deep seated passion for garden design as an art form. They are also what make her classes and lectures so popular with those looking at a career in landscape design. And with those who just want to make sense of their own back yard. I would recommend “The Spirit of Stone” to either group.I related to Johnsen speaking of “having a soft spot for hard rock.” So do I. Her latest book is packed with information -practical, informative, and sometimes just interesting. From detailing the pros and cons of various types of stone and gravel materials, to new suggestions on how to use them, to fascinating asides on specific individual or famous stones and the work of world-class artists and designers, her passion for the subject matter is contagious. Hundreds of beautiful photos (a fair percentage from her own work), charts and diagrams shed further light on each topic.I have no doubt that after reading this I will be using more stone in my own design practice. After reading this book, you will too. It’s that good. It’s that comprehensive. It’s that fun to read. And, if you love working with stone in the garden –or if you’d like to –it’s the ideal handbook on the subject.

Love the pictures for showing my landscaper what I want and why. The explanations with clear step by step directions are wonderful for my own projects. This book is very educational and saved me a lot of trouble and money explaining the various materials and best choices for various projects. At least I now know what to ask for! It's a keeper.

If you're looking for a how-to book, this is not it. If you're looking for a stunningly beautiful book, full of great ideas, logically grouped, with knowledgeable, well written advice and background, then this definitely is it. The lack of the fifth star is because I was expecting a how-to, which is my fault, not the authors. But who says life is fair?

Very good review of the uses of stone in landscaping, from those underfoot to those used for walls, from feature rocks intended for viewing to those using for planting areas. Ample photos show various types, shapes, and sizes of rocks - book includes advice on installation (walls, stairs, hills, pathways), and on plantings to compliment rocks. Clear, concise, useful - recommended.

I loved this book for the images and ideas, but mostly because it fills my happy heart knowing other people dig rocks as much as I do. I frequently move rocks around my garden, not because of the aesthetics, but because I feel like they would like* it elsewhere. Reading that other people wait to "hear" their rocks made me feel a little less crazy.* I know intellectually rocks don't speak, but when you sit with them and look at shadows play with them, water trickle off of them, you will definitely understand that they "long" to be certain places. This book is for people that understand this, or want to.

I just got this book today and I love it! Cannot wait to read the entire book with a nice cup of coffee.

This is the second book that I bought from this author. Her first book was Heaven is a Garden and I loved her insight both artistically and practically. She clearly is an artist of the land which I love! Her photos truly tell the story. Her newest book gave me great insight as to the best use for stones in my garden which I really never previously considered. I love this book! I cannot wait for her next.

Easily understandable. Needs more detail.