Book Review: Through the Garden Gate

Donna Castellano and Charles Seifried have produced one amazing book. "Through the Garden Gate" is a 130-page book beautifully photographed and beautifully written about twenty-seven private gardens lovingly cared for in three historic districts of Huntsville: Twickenham, Old Town and Five Points. This book is a celebration of the talented gardeners in Huntsville and is brimming with ideas and ideals we can all learn from!

You can't race through this book--so don't even try. It should be devoured as a feast for the eyes and ear. I'm not a gardener so I enjoyed Castellano's clever descriptions of some of the most amazing gardens hidden away in Huntsville. However, the Master Gardener will find inspiration in this book, too.

I have an antique-loving friend who I enjoy shopping with, not because I have any interest in antiques, but because she talks outloud as she sees things and explains to me what she's seeing and looking for. I felt Castellano was doing the same thing. I tend to rush through things and only see the forest, not the trees. I see a garden and think it's beautiful, but I can't articulate why or how. In "Through the Garden Gate," we are gently walked through beautiful gardens and led to stop and rest and admire each aspect of that garden. This is a refreshing book that urges us to literally "stop and smell the roses."

I had to stop and periodically read each sentence over and over. The photographs are so stunning that I spent a lot of time studying and admiring them. Every picture in the book would make a great painting. They are so peaceful and attractive, I wonder how the cover photo was ever selected. In my opinion, any of the photographs would have made an excellent cover.

"Through the Garden Gate" is a masterpiece and a worthy addition to the collection of books written by and about Huntsville. I highly recommend that you add it to your private collection of books.