Perfect for the start of spring, The Spirited Garden: Creative Private Retreats invites readers into a collection of deeply personal, artfully designed private gardens—each one a reflection of the gardener behind it. Conceived and photographed by Doreen L. Wynja and written with Lorene Edwards Forkner, this visually rich and thoughtfully crafted volume captures the essence of gardens that are as expressive as they are beautiful.
Blending horticultural knowledge along with plant identification and evocative storytelling, The Spirited Garden goes beyond surface beauty to reveal the heart and intention behind each space. These are not landscapes maintained by “mow-and-blow” crews, but rather hands-on creations—gardens shaped, nurtured, and lived in by passionate individuals.
From whimsical retreats to softly formal compositions to wild country-inspired spaces, the featured gardens span a diverse range of styles while sharing a common thread: authenticity. Each garden tells a story, offering insight into the creative vision and personal journey of its caretaker.
Wynja’s dynamic photography brings these landscapes to life, capturing not only their lushness and detail but also their spirit and sense of place. Paired with engaging narrative, the book draws readers in, page after page, encouraging a deeper appreciation for the artistry and dedication behind these cultivated environments.
Rich with inspiration and layered with personality, The Spirited Garden is a celebration of gardening as both an art form and a deeply personal expression—sure to resonate with gardeners, designers, and lovers of beautiful spaces alike.
About the Author & Photographer
Doreen L. Wynja is a photographer known for her ability to capture the narrative and emotional essence of landscapes and gardens through her photographs. Her work in The Spirited Garden reflects a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling through imagery. Her work has been published in numerous books and magazines, including ‘The Tapestry Garden’ book, ‘SUCCULENTS’ by Robin Stockwell and the recent ‘The Heathly Garden’ by Brenzel & Mackey, and in magazines like, Garden Design, Fine Gardening, Landscape Architecture, The American Gardener, and Marin Magazine.
About the Contributing Writer
Lorene Edwards Forkner is a respected garden writer whose work explores the intersection of plants, place, and personal expression. She has been the weekly gardening columnist for the Seattle Times for nearly fifteen years and is the author of several gardening books including Color In and Out of the Garden.
