An exploration of the balance between the hand of the gardener and the power of nature in the New York Botanical Garden landscape

The world-renowned New York Botanical Garden is a 250-acre multifaceted cultural destination situated in the heart of the Bronx. NYBG’s natural features – rolling hills punctuated by rock outcroppings, an old-growth forest, the dramatic gorge of the Bronx River – were incorporated into its original design and have been celebrated throughout its 130-year history, creating a tapestry of gardens and plant collections that blend seamlessly with the incredible landscape.

Today, NYBG embodies the principles of sustainable horticulture, and Gardening with Nature demonstrates their application. This richly illustrated new book highlights seven distinct horticultural environments captured by photographer Larry Lederman. Through his lush images, readers will witness the process of decay and regeneration in the Thain Family Forest, the carpet of millions of naturalized daffodils on Daffodil Hill, the vibrant azaleas emerging from rocky outcrops and sheltered by majestic trees, the recently installed Native Plant Garden, and more. Featuring authoritative text by Todd A. Forrest – complemented by historic images and Lederman’s contemporary photographs – Gardening with Nature offers a model for professional and home gardeners alike, encouraging and inspiring readers to adopt sustainable, nature-based processes and techniques.

Larry Lederman has been photographing the landscape and trees at the New York Botanical Garden for more than a decade. He is the author of multiple books on public and private gardens, most recently Du Pont Gardens of the Brandywine Valley (2023) and Garden Portraits: Experiences of Natural Beauty (2020), both published by Monacelli.

Todd A. Forrest is Arthur Ross Vice President for Horticulture and Living Collections at the New York Botanical Garden.

Jennifer Bernstein is CEO and The William C. Steere President of the New York Botanical Garden.