Publisher's Synopsis
This lavishly illustrated volume presents the first-ever definitive look at the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino. Growing out of the Southern California's golden age of horticulture from the nineteenth century through the 1920s. they flourish today as one of the grand garden achievements of that glorious, optimistic era. Many unusual plants, from towering landmark trees to minuscule rare desert succulents are pictured in the book's 250 sumptuous colour photographs. The introduction tells the fascinating story of how Huntington developed railroads and real estate in turn-of-the-century Los Angeles and at the same time transformed his self-supporting working ranch into a remarkable showcase of exotic plants from the world over.
