Artists have depicted gardens in many ways. This comprehensive exhibition illustrates the evolution of the European and American gardens from 1550 to the present. The event is organized into four sections. The first examines design concepts and individual garden features, the second highlights historic garden features and public parks, the third focuses on activities in garden settings, and the fourth section deals with modern concepts such as restoration versus innovation, reclaimed land, and the allocation of land in parks for public group activities.

This exhibition was organized by the Iris & B. Gerald Cantor Center for Visual Arts at Stanford University. The exhibition and catalogue have been made possible by the late Dr. A. Jess Shenson and an anonymous donor, with additional support from the Ducommun and Gross Family Foundation.