There is a rich garden heritage in the Mississippi River Corridor - a heritage influenced by many cultures and still thriving today. The gardens along the river, from Natchez to New Orleans, include the famous and breathtaking plantation estates, the simpler and charming Creole gardens, the contemporary and colorful suburban gardens, the lush and intimate New Orleans courtyard gardens, and so many more. Such diversity in style and purpose, yet all are infused with a special garden spirit and the unique and wonderful Southern plants that grow so quickly. Live Oak Splendor is a celebration of these gardens - Afton Villa, Rosedown, Longue Vue Gardens, Magnolia Mound, Rosalie, and many others - and this garden spirit, along with the fascinating history and culture behind them.Here you'll discover the early French and European design influences in the area, from the grand live oak allees so famous in the region to the pigeonniers, the pigeon houses that brought birds - and thus animation - to the garden. You'll discover how the early settler/gardeners responded to the semitropical landscape they found, endeavoring to tame it, but incorporating the native plants - such as the magnolias and dogwoods - they found. You'll discover the beloved heirloom plants of this area, the antique roses, irises, azaleas, and more, many of which are still cherished parts of contemporary gardens. These contemporary gardens, the pleasure gardens, complete the journey, displaying how modern design ideas unite with those of the past.There's all this and more in Live Oak Splendor. With more than 200 gorgeous photographs, this book will be a treasured addition to every gardener's library. Read Less