Derek Jarman's Garden

Today while my kids were at the local library's summer reading program, I picked up a copy of a most unusual book, Derek Jarman's Garden.

Derek Jarman was, most notably, a British filmmaker who's work spans the '70's to the 90's. To say his films pushed the limits of sex and violence is kind of an understatement. I've only seen one, Jubilee. I watched it because a young Adam Ant had a part in this film. All I can say about it is that it was weird. Well, I was 15 when I watched it, so, yeah, it was weird...maybe I should watch it again...maybe not.

Okay, back to the book. Derek Jarman's Garden is a journal of sorts recounting Jarman's garden as it grew at his cottage in Dungeness in Kent, England from its beginning in 1986 to 1994 when Jarman lost his battle against AIDS.

Along with lyrical descriptions of the garden and exquisite photographs (by Howard Sooley), the book explains Jarman's philosophy regarding his about gardening and provides a glimpse into the last few years of Jarman's life. If a book about gardening can be intimate, then this is it.

I simply can't describe this book, so if I've piqued your interest, please read this article from Guardian.uk.co written by the book's photographer. The most I can say is that I opened this book and couldn't put it down. I read it in an hour and a half.

One of my favorite parts of the book comes early on when Jarman shares his thoughts on lawns. He asserts that lawns are "against nature, barren and often threadbare," and, "For the same trouble as mowing, you could have a year's vegetables..." Inspiring, intriguing and bittersweet, this book is fascinating! I could go on and on, but I'm off to get my green thumb dirty.