The Colors of Nature: Subtropical Gardens by Raymond Jungles

By Raymond Jungles

In exquisite gardens inspired by the lush native plants of his adopted home of Miami, landscape artist/architect Raymond Jungles uses nature as a means of self-expression.

He is known for modernist groupings of geometric shapes, which highlight the natural aspects of plantings, water features, and native stone. His use of plants, drawn largely from those indigenous to subtropical regions, emphasizes their dramatic sculptural forms. Jungles's original and inviting green spaces, like those of his mentor, the master landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, bring the comfort and beauty of nature into built settings.

This monograph on the work of Raymond Jungles features more than 20 residential projects. From a rooftop garden 34 stories in the air to a natural setting of ponds and islands surrounding a 1920s residence to an informal green space in the Pearl Islands of Panama, Jungles constructs vibrant spaces that complement the natural environment.

His modern vocabulary is on display in beautiful color photographs that document each landscape in both panoramic views and intimate details. Jungles's own descriptions of each garden address the process of making the landscape as well as the design elements that tie each composition to common experiences of nature.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1580932126
• ISBN13: 9781580932127
• Release Date: October 2008
• Publisher: Monacelli Press
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 3.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 9.7" x 11.1"

Customer Reviews

Inspiring for my Florida garden

The work of Raymond Jungles, shown in great photos, inspires me for further creative endeavors in my own South Florida garden. He has magnificent brilliance that puts joy into the spaces he created, large or small. Thank you for the inspiration!

An idea book rather than a plant book.

Raymond Jungles is a talented South Florida landscaper, whose work is showcased in this book. It is interesting that in order to see a listing of plants he most often works with, one has to refer to "Modern Tropical Garden Design", by Made Wijaya--as there is no list in Jungles' own book. I feel the book would have been better had more plant names been included with the photos, but "The Colors of Nature" still is a lovely book on some selected subtropical gardens. One can "get the feel" of the work of Mr. Jungles and learn a little about landscape design in the process.

Tropical Garden Inspiration

As a landcape architect, I'm constantly seeking inspiration for my work and The Colors of Nature delivered brilliantly. Raymond Jungles is one of my favorite residential landscape architects and his book is full of his best known works and offers up amazing photographs of his creations. Most of the gardens have brief descriptions, plan views and many full color photographs with only plant lists lacking. His designs tend to be more contemporary using strong architectonic elements to create outdoor rooms and anchor his wild plantings.

examples of tropical tapestry by a genius landscape designer

A stunning book, truly inspirational. I always like more information on plant varieties in any book, but this time I simply could not stop turning the pages. Why doesn't my yard look like that?