Garden Lover's Guide to Spain and Portugal

Book excerpt: This authoritative new series of guidebooks to the gardens of Europe is the perfect companion for any garden enthusiast, whether tourist or armchair traveler. Each title is a richly illustrated in-depth guide to over 100 gardens, from the famous to little-known hidden treasures, and features colorful photography and easy-to-read illustrations commissioned especially for this series. Also included are maps, directions, complete visitor information, special features, and neighboring sites of interest. Each guide, written by a gardening expert, begins with a comprehensive background on the country's garden history and local climate. The most significant gardens in each volume are featured in even greater detail, accompanied by illustrated plans of the gardens and close-up views of particular features. The numerous color photographs and maps show travelers what awaits at each garden. The Garden Lover's Guide's are indispensible aids for those planning European travel itineraries. The Garden Lover's Guide to Spain and Portugal is for everyone who enjoys visiting gardens. In this compact volume, gardening writer Barbara Segall explores over 100 of the most beautiful Iberian gardens, highlighting their most striking features, describing their distinctive characters, and revealing charming aspects that will delight every garden lover. From Antoni Gaudi's fantastic Park Guell, to the exotic Moorish pools and patios of the Alhambra and Generalife, to the intricate parterres at the Palacio Nacional de Queluz, this volume will guide travelers to some of the most breathtaking sights in Europe.