Louisiana Gardens - Tapa dura

From Afton Villa to Zemurray, twenty-nine of the most beautiful gardens of the Pelican State are captured in a delicate bouquet of fantastic photographs and equally vibrant text.

Among the fascinating images are the orange-red Pride of Afton azaleas that originated on the estate and Zemurray's lime-green Chinese cane, which contrasts dramatically with blazing red azaleas.

Louisiana Gardens contains much more than azaleas, however. It even contains more than traditional gardens.

The plantations, arboretums, and parks depicted here will awe and inspire gardeners everywhere--both in and out of Louisiana.

Oaklawn Manor, home of Louisiana governor Mike Foster, contains many ancient oaks that were growing there when Columbus discovered America.

Louisiana State Arboretum in Ville Platte was the first state-supported arboretum in the United States and contains almost every type of vegetation native to the state.

Audubon Park and Zoological Gardens in New Orleans features not only the handiwork of renowned landscape planner John Charles Olmsted, but also a world-class zoo that is home to more than 1,800 animals.

For those wishing to see the gardens for themselves, helpful maps, addresses, and telephone numbers direct readers to virtually every azalea, camellia, and magnolia in Louisiana.

Author Mary Fonseca is an award-winning freelance writer who actively promotes touring Louisiana to various clubs, organizations, and travel groups. She is the author of Pelican's Weekend Getaways in Louisiana, which has been named a "Best Book" by Travel & Leisure magazine.

Internationally acclaimed architectural photographer Steven Brooke is the author of Seaside, Seaside Postcard Book, The Majesty of Natchez, and The Majesty of Natchez Postcard Book. He also is the coauthor of The Gardens of Florida. All are published by Pelican.