Letters Adagio
Dear Trisha,
I am writing to you because I have just finished reading Adagio and I wish to offer my congratulations to you for such a brilliant book. Your elegant text flows so easily to a gentle rhythm and your evocative images give the book a soft yet sensuous feeling.
I read this book slowly for two reasons: firstly because I am a slow reader (I like to savour words) and, secondly, because I did not want to reach the end…I was so enjoying the journey. I remember you from my days as Editor of …………..and also from my involvement with Australia’s Open Garden Scheme during the 1980’s and your name continuously ‘popped up’ although we never met.
Now….I live in a forest in …………. …… and my large, heavily-shaded garden is definitely ‘on the edge of wildness’, but unlike Agatha Christie this is not on purpose but due to a conflict between maintenance and old age! And I must add, it is also due to my increasing inclination to relax with a good book and listen to classical music – no wonder Adagio felt so comfortable in my hands.
Once again, thank you Trisha for providing so many hours of enjoyment with Adagio and I wish you well for the future and, hopefully, more books.
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I have just read Adagio from beautiful front cover to its equally beautiful back cover. It is a mind and soul nourishing book – I loved it. The slow concept (which I was doubtful about, not being very good at slow!) has translated into something much deeper, and I embrace it fully. The text is thoughtful and wise – and the photographs breathtaking and haunting. Many congratulations – you have given me much pleasure – and I know that others will agree. Your observations on the essentially ephemeral nature of gardens struck a special chord – and I loved those stick wave sculptures in ……..garden….
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Adagio is a superb book. Only rarely have I read something that evoked such a heartfelt response. I found myself muttering “yes, oh yes’ and ‘that’s so true’. And the interweaving of your evolved philosophy of life with pertinent quotations gives the book the strength of a well-argued dissertation. Then there are the lovely photographs…
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I just got your long awaited book Adagio yesterday in the mail and put it down today at Chapter 7! I’m emotionally fulfilled and mentally fortified by your writings and most of all by your images of your place and the Monaro. I agree a truly breathtaking landscape…I loved your work as it truly personifies a great study of mindfulness – which comes about over time, people and places to help shape the mental images we cherish most…I love your work, I’d grant you canonization!
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My oh my, did I feel like I was reading the words of a kindredspirit! THANK you for writing them down, so much rang true for me. My garden always nurtures and uplifts me, no matter how many ‘chores’ remain undone. And I was transported straight back to the feel of the Greek Islands with talk of Hydra. A beautiful book … with a perfect title, always my favourite movement in any classical piece.
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Your beautiful book has changed my outlook on life overnight…
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I bought a copy of your book Adagio several years ago. It is quite honestly my favourite book (and I have loads of garden books).
I read it cover to cover repeatedly.
Tonight I’m just sitting by the fire, thoroughly enjoying it again. I just thought you should know it’s a book I love to death and will enjoy many more times again.
Love your writing. I love the pictures. Love the little cards and quirky little pages every now and then. But mostly just love the slow theme. It really is a fantastic book.
- am humbled and delighted to still receive emails, insta posts and letters from people reading and discovering this book each month.
Adagio
SOLD OUT (UNFORTUNATELY…)
Reviews Adagio
“..an eloquent call to action on vital issues that need urgent and intelligent national policies: water, biodiversity; coming to terms with our climate and managing the land. Stunning photographs capture the diversity of our landscape and the sense of place so evident in the best gardens. Serious subjeccts are disguised by the gift book design (give it to a non-gardener and wait for conversion), but whom better to influence public opinion by their wise sustainability policies than intelligent gardeners who work with the land?”
“This handsome volume is a rumination on a way of thinking and living that is leisurely and graceful, as the title implies, and also ethical and mindful. The author, one of our regular contributors, is an accomplished woman with wide-ranging interests, and it’s a pleasure to spend time inside her head, observing the world through her eyes. She picks at a little philosophical questions, such as whether gardeners are just suckers for punishment, but covers the big issues, too, around natural resources and sustainable living. Music, art and garden design all feature, and liberally scattered quotes and pieces of verse galvanise the tired soul.”
“This is the most beautiful book that has come my way in more than a decade. So if you have to shop for presents in a hurry, simply buy multiple copies… Her insights can make any person or place coruscate with meaning…”
“Trisha Dixon’s lovely new book Adagio: Living and Gardening Mindfully gave me a lot to think about. She explores the notion of slow gardening as an ethical way to live, cherishing nature’s subtleties, and doing things with enjoyment rather than speed. Dixon is a garden historian, writer and photographer whose evocative images fill the pages. The book is so beautifully and unusually designed, it begs to be lingered over…Her love of the high plans of Monaro, music and mother nature thread through the story of her own gardening experiences. It’s this month’s Twig prize.”
