praise for
Jan Johnsen & The Spirit of Stone
“Jan Johnsen successfully conveys the poetic qualities of stone through insightful observations, descriptive examples and, more importantly, with practical advice for novice and professional garden designers.”
~ Richard Alomar, RLA, ASLA, Department of Landscape Architecture, Rutgers University
“The Spirit of Stone is an insightful look into the many ways of using natural stone in a garden. Jan’s crisp descriptions and wonderful photographs open our eyes to the unique addition of this material – in all its forms – into landscapes.”
~ Bill Thomas, Executive Director, Chanticleer Garden, author of The Art of Gardening
“In the same loving and passionate spirit with which she brought garden and design lovers Heaven is a Garden, Jan Johnsen now brings us The Spirit of Stone. This book provides insights and photos of every possible way to use stone in your garden: as accents, as art, as walls, as drainage, as steps, with plants or for paths.”
~ Jim Peterson, Publisher, Garden Design magazine
“Jan Johnsen’s intimate relationship with stone, honed over a long design career, shines through every page of this practical guide to using stone in residential gardens. Perhaps more importantly, she explains why this most elemental of materials creates a timeless sensuality that no other garden material can.”
~ Carolyn Mullet, designer; on Facebook: “Garden Design by Carolyn Mullet”
“The Spirit of Stone focuses in on the soulfulness, authenticity, beauty and practicality of stonework in an outdoor setting. …a delightful celebration of the versatility of this solid, durable natural element.”
~ Fran Sorin, author of Digging Deep: Unearthing Your Creative Roots Through Gardening
“Jan’s great love for the art of gardening and enthusiasm for great stone work is apparent on every page. The Spirit of Stone is a great resource for inspiration in the garden.”
~ Devin Devine, stone artist, mason – Devine Escapes
“Celebrated garden author and landscape designer Jan Johnsen has distilled her sophisticated natural stone expertise into a clearly written, companionable guide to stone gardening success. I predict The Spirit of Stone will be treasured by beginners and garden experts alike.”
~ Miriam Goldberger, author of Taming Wildflowers
“Jan Johnsen leaves no stone unturned in introducing readers to the wonderful world of masonry. Her marriage of hardscape and horticulture assures The Spirit of Stone rock-star status on your gardening bookshelf.”
~ David Beaulieu, landscaping expert for About.com
“The Spirit of Stone is an elegant paean to the use of stone in the garden. Jan Johnsen explores the rich traditions in using stone by artists and craftsmen through the age, and provides helpful suggestions for today’s garden enthusiasts.”
~ Robert E. Grese, Director, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum; Professor, University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment
The Spirit of Stone
The Spirit of Stone
101 Practical & Creative Stonescaping Ideas for Your Garden
Jan Johnsen
The Spirit of Stone 101 Practical & Creative Stonescaping Ideas for Your Garden
Copyright © 2017 by Jan Johnsen
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored, or transmittedin any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except by a reviewerwho may quote brief passages for review purposes.
ISBN-13: 978-1-9433661-9-4
Library of Congress Control Number: 2016958267
CIP information available upon request
First Edition, 2017
St. Lynn’s Press. POB 18680. Pittsburgh, PA 15236
412.381.9933. www.stlynnspress.com
Book design – Holly Rosborough
Editor – Catherine Dees
Editorial Assistant – Christina Gregory
Photo credits: All photos © Jan Johnsen, with the exception of the following: page 30 – © Ivo Vermeulen; pages 17 (left), 23, 25, 37, 82 (top right), 86 (bottom left), 131 and 170 – © Laura McKillop; page 38 – © Chris Hansen; pages 52 and 129 – © Jeff Calton; pages 103 and 104 – © Loretta Reilly
Diagrams/Illustrations appearing on pages 56, 76, 87, 93, 109, 115, 122, 132 and 141 – Laura McKillop
Printed in Canada
on certified FSC recycled paper using soy-based inks
This title and all of St. Lynn’s Press books may be purchased for educational, business or sales promotional use. For information please write:
Special Markets Department. St. Lynn’s Press. POB 18680. Pittsburgh, PA 15236
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
for Daniel
Table of Contents
