The natural landscape often dictates the style of garden, and that may be why many New England gardens are reminiscent of those one might find throughout the United Kingdom.This new book, Reflections of Place, (Rizzoli USA, 2026) by Dan Gordon Landscape Architects, written with Kyle Hoepner, profiles 14 of the firm’s landscapes, from inner city Boston to the surrounding suburbs, to the islands off the coast. Most of the residences are New England classic in style — some historic, some with modern elements, others a blend
that still defines a particular architectural style.
As stated in the introduction to the book, “For every design, we consider the natural, cultural, and social contexts that characterize each property and client.” These elements include the topography of the site; it’s cultural context, ie, it’s location in a city, a suburb, in a forest or fields, and the local history, such as the architecture that’s prevalent in the surrounding area; and the lifestyle and wishes of the client.
Each entry includes a description of the project, followed by several pages of stunning photographs and also a site plan. The reader will particular appreciate the attention to detail: images of plants, focal points, the residence, and the design of special features like swimming pools, fences, gates, paving patterns, walkways and furniture. All of the landscapes suggest a soothing quality that’s an essential element in almost any garden, a place where residents can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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