A complete introduction to contemporary gardens, from new innovations, practices, and materials, to the notable designers and their signature creations, to a glossary of key terms. Covering the most important trends and issues in gardening today, this book demonstrates the relationship between modern gardens and contemporary art, architecture, and design, in richly illustrated and accessible text. The reader will learn to identify different styles and place them in a clear historical context, from Simone Kroll's wasteland redevelopments to Zen-infused Japanese landscaping. Entirely pink gardens, the sweet perfume of Arabian jasmine, the gentle tinkling of fountains in the Imaginary Garden: everything from traditional inspirations to innovative techniques, materials, and vegetation lend character to the world's most exemplary contemporary gardens. With biographies of thirty great landscapers, gardeners, and land artists--including photographs and descriptions of their finest works--a list of essential international gardens to visit, and a glossary of key words, this is an essential reference book.