Gardens of the Gilded Age
Lavish Landscapes from America’s Golden Era
Step into the era when American wealth created landscapes that rivaled those of European royalty and discover the magnificent gardens that still captivate visitors today.
During the Gilded Age in America (1870-1920), wealthy industrialists such as the Vanderbilts, Rockefellers, and du Ponts, built extravagant homes and gardens that rivaled the palaces and villas of Europe. Fueled by competition, world travel, plant hunting expeditions, technological advances, and passions for nature and art, the Gilded Age gave rise to landscapes of astonishing beauty and horticulture.
Gardens of the Gilded Age showcases a selection of estates on the East Coast, diving into their histories and the elements that make them striking and unique. Each garden profile includes enticing information about the estate's owners, history, and the evolution of the garden, including significant plants and architectural features. With lush photography and informative text, Gardens of the Gilded Age is a delight for the senses and a fascinating view of the era.
Hardcover, 288 pages, 8” x 10”, 340 color photographs
“Gardens of the Gilded Age is a stunning journey through the golden age of American landscape design. From European-inspired courtyards to sweeping coastal estates, each page captures the visionary owners and designers that shaped these enduring landscapes. This is an inspiring and essential read for anyone who believes great landscapes can influence both public life and the national imagination. ”
“Gardens of the Gilded Age thoughtfully highlights The Ringling as a defining expression of John and Mable Ringling’s vision, where art, architecture, and landscape helped shape Sarasota into a cultural destination. Today, as steward of The Ringling, Florida State University honors that legacy by preserving this extraordinary estate and advancing its role as a center for education, scholarship, and public engagement.”
“Jana Milbocker has done an outstanding job ferreting out a hit parade of the truly greatest gardens in America. She doesn’t miss a beat, and has laid out a sumptuous spread for our enjoyment.”
“In Gardens of the Gilded Age, Jana Milbocker presents a much needed, comprehensive overview of Country Place gardens of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Not only will you come away with a thorough understanding of Gilded Age gardens’ provenance, but the articulate prose and beautiful photography will have you adding each and every garden to your bucket list! ”
“Jana Milbocker’s Gardens of the Gilded Age confirms that the gardens from this era are as impressive as its mansions. Her book gives the fascinating backstories to 30 extraordinary gardens accompanied by stunning photographs. A wonderful book for any gardener or garden-lover.”
“In Gardens of the Gilded Age, Jana Milbocker takes readers on a gentle stroll through some of America’s most remarkably designed and cultivated spaces. This book is a work of the heart for Milbocker, and a must-read for anyone who loves the aesthetics, variety, and restorative nature of gardens. Enjoy the journey and be ready to add some new destinations to your travel itinerary! ”
“Jana Milbocker’s Gardens of the Gilded Age is a stunning invitation to the gardens, homes, and landscapes from an era when American power, wealth, and aesthetic refinement seemed to know no limit. With her vivid photographs and lucid text, Jana takes us on a journey of discovery from the shores of Lake Champlain to the beaches of Miami. This book will be a a treasured companion for anyone who wants to follow in Jana Milbocker’s footsteps and visit the gardens themselves.”
“Gardens of the Gilded Age offers readers a wonderful view into the unifying elements of America’s greatest gardens. Jana Milbocker sets the stage with her overview of the historical influences of garden design from the Country Place Era. What follows is a visual tour of thirty of the most impressive gardens in the country, documented by lush contemporary photography that showcases the enduring beauty of the horticultural collections and architecture of these sites. Milbocker’s book is an excellent primer into the people and places of a defining moment in the built heritage of our nation. ”
