Media Reviews
Valder's illuminating compilation of more than 200 gardens promises to provide the ultimate resource for future travelers, who, before wmbarking on a trip, can study and savor images and information on diverse horticultural realms located throughout China. . . A lavish record of famed Imperial gardens as well as fascinating examples of lesser-known temples, parks, and botanical arboreta. . . Encompassing a treasury of plant portraits, stunning architectural details, and awe-inspiring vistas, Valder's chosen topic is rendered in such depth as to rouse armchair dreamers and act as a call to action for avid garden trekkers.
Booklist 30/08/2002
A fabulous book which has obviously been a labour of love...will stand for decades and will prove to be invaluable to tourists, gardeners, students and historians alike.
Sam Youd Tatton Park Gardener 13/08/2002
A perfect book ... for the armchair explorer ... to read before traveling to China.
Joanne S. Carpender National Gardener 04/09/2002
Authoritative and readable, this title is a required reference for both landscape design and Asian studies collections.
Choice 11/12/2002
Gardens in China . . . is lavishly illustrated with meticulously produced art.
Patricia Jonas Plants and Gardens News 08/01/2002
An excellent summary of the history of Western experiences in China . . . After reading The Gardens of China, I would love to return to that country . . . If I do, this book will be my primary guide.
Richard A. Brown Pacific Horticulture 09/01/2003
Some people truly amaze me. Peter Vader is one of those people.
Richard A. Brown Pacific Horticulture 27/03/2003
Gardeners, history and travel buffs, and students should read this book.
N. Thomas Strnad Growing Concern 25/02/2003
It is useful to find so many wonderful gardens, most of them photographed by the author on his frequent trips to China.
Joanne S. Carpender National Gardener 26/03/2003
Useful to find so many wonderful gardens, most of them photographed by the author on his frequent trips to China.
Joanne S. Carpender National Gardener 07/11/2002
Mr. Valder's large–format book with excellent photographs on almost every page does justice to this most remarkable garden tradition.
American Rhododendron Society Journal 27/05/2003
Valder's book makes a valuable contribution to the gardening as well as the cultural literature between China and the West. This book is highly recommended to gardeners.
William Johnson E-Streams 11/05/2003
An ambitious book aimed at the general reader.
George Fetherling Vancouver Sun 17/05/2003
It is essential reading for visitors to China with an interest in gardens and for those interested in garden history and Chinese culture.
Professional Gardener 15/07/2003
This award-winning reference is a great addition to one's collection.
Leonard Perry Perry's Perennial Pages 26/09/2003
Packed full of a lifetime of information...a pleasure to read. A great triumph!
Liz Banks International Dendrology Society Yearbook 21/06/2004
This is a large book in every way, easy and exciting to read; something to treasure.
Plantsman 08/09/2004
[Verder's] photographs of people enjoying the beauty of these gardens makes the reader want to join in.
Josephine Bridges Asian Reporter 29/09/2006
