Reviews for Saratoga, California (Postcards of America Series)

The average rating for Saratoga, California (Postcards of America Series) based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2020-02-06 00:00:00 Cheryl Sica This was reminiscent of "Alone in the Wilderness". It was poetic writing of the woodlands and their cabin and farm in Minnesota. It told tales of the raccoon, various birds/raptors, flowers, mushrooms, and the like. My favorite chapter was the Canine Constitution which told the tale of their dogs and the exploits and joys of taking your dog for a walk in the outdoors.

Review # 2 was written on 2016-09-16 00:00:00 Louie Garza This richly illustrated production captures the natural landscape and man made gardens of Bali in 250 sumptuous color photos by renowned international photographer Luca Invernizzi Tettoni. The first half of the book walks us right through the Garden of Eden, past rushing rivers and volcanic mountains to Bali's flourishing profusion of plants, flowers, fruits, palaces, temples, pavilions, and traditional village gardens. Landscape designer William Warren calls in specialists to provide ecological and cultural information to complement the riotous, full-page photographical/geographical orgies. Bali's natural beauty leaps out at you from every page--exotic hothouse hibiscus, bougainvillea and frangipani flowers, sacred springs, rice paddies, and ornamental sculptures. The book uncovers the Balinese people at home in their lush green environment: we see the deeply engrained Balinese reverence for nature and its role in and impact on their culture. Nature informs and underlies the widespread (animist-based) religious beliefs and practices on Bali: as an example, the waringin or banyan tree, as the sacred abode of spirits, is considered to be an auspicious spot to construct a temple or shrine. The rest of the book shifts focus to explore contemporary residential, restaurant, and hotel garden construction, plant life, and decoration (the Bali Hyatt at Sanur has its own chapter). The authors also do full justice to the island's naturally spectacular ravines, lotus ponds, waterfalls, and sacred pools. Balinese Gardens gives us a special final treat: a tour of modern horticultural masterpieces in Ubud, the island's center of art and creativity. These new gardens (of wealthy expatriates) exude special charm and beauty with jungle-like plantings of teak, mahogany, tamarind, avocado, mangosteen, durian, and breadfruit. Warren proves that landscape art can successfully imitate (and compete) with nature in a superb Balinese dance of visual perfection Review written by Dr. Vivienne Kruger, Ph.D. Author of Balinese Food: The Traditional Cuisine and Food Culture of Bali (Tuttle Publishing, 2014)