Written from a garden design perspective, garden-maker and author Sophie Walker explores the conceptual, abstract nature of the Japanese garden and considers the many complex layers of meaning. Sophie Walker guides us through The Japanese Garden Horticulture and contemporary garden design came easily to Sophie Walker. The most comprehensive exploration of the art of the Japanese garden published to date, this book covers more than eight centuries of the history of this important genre. Based in London, she practises globally. Dispersed through different visual spreads are new essays from architects Tadao Andō and John Pawson, and artists such as Lee Ufan and Anish Kapoor. Sophie Walker author of 'The Japanese Garden' explains how Japanese horticulturists embrace seasonality and climate like no other culture, and how the West can learn to engage the four-seasons in the same way. The Secret Beauty, Terror, and Power of Japanese Gardens Garden designer Sophie Walker delves into the multifaceted nature of Japanese Gardens in her new book from Phaidon. A tour de force. Author and garden designer Sophie Walker brings fresh insight to this subject, exploring the Japanese garden in detail through a series of essays and with 100 featured gardens, ranging from ancient Shinto shrines to imperial gardens and contemporary Zen designs. Author and garden designer Sophie Walker brings fresh insight to this subject, exploring the Japanese garden in detail through a series of essays and with 100 featured gardens, ranging from ancient Shinto shrines to imperial gardens and contemporary Zen designs. Author and garden designer Sophie Walker brings fresh insight to this subject, exploring the Japanese garden in detail through a series of essays and with 100 featured gardens, ranging from ancient Shinto shrines to imperial gardens and contemporary Zen designs. "The Japanese Garden is such an ancient cultural pursuit, that has lasted for 2 millennia. In addition to designing gardens, Sophie lectures on conceptual design, the Japanese garden, planting, and the garden environment. For a westerner this beautifully written and presented book opens a door into a world I long to know more about. Having studied art history, Sophie later qualified in horticulture, plant science, and garden design. Author Sophie Walker walks the reader through the elements (including reflective surfaces and sculpture) and design (courtyards, Zen principles, dry gardens) of Japanese gardens. How Sophie Walker knows so much about Japanese gardens is a mystery and a wonder. In 2014 Sophie Walker became the youngest woman to design a garden at RHS Chelsea Flower Show. I suspect even the Japanese would learn from it. An in-depth exploration spanning 800 years of the art, essence, and enduring impact of the Japanese garden.