Zen Gardens

“Locher’s stunning presentation highlights 37 master gardens in Japan and abroad (including in the U.S.) that embody a transcendent marriage between the primal elements of nature and metaphysics. […] With 320 color photos and designs, Locher captures the mystery and mastery of Masuno’s work.” –Publishers Weekly, Starred Review“This showcase of the work of Japanese garden designer Shunmyo Masuno marries clear exposition of the designer’s philosophy with drop-dead gorgeous color art.” –Publishers Weekly, 2012 Best Book, Gardening“Zen Gardens endorses a spiritual approach to the process of garden design, whereby the design and its inherent aesthetic qualities are allowed to grow from the place, rather than being imposed on it. Illustrated with more than 400 drawings and color photographs, this book is a wonderful source of inspiration for creating beautiful, contemplative landscapes.”– Garden Design Journal

Mira Locher is an architect and professor who works in the U.S. and Japan. She studied at Smith College before receiving her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania. After working for Team Zoo Atelier Mobile in Japan for seven years, she set up an architectural practice in the U.S. with Takayuki Murakami. Mira Locher is Dean of the Faculty of Architecture at the University of Manitoba (Canada). She is the author of Super Potato Design, Zen Gardens and Zen Garden Design.