Perth's well known and loved gardens are celebrated in a new book. Historic Gardens of Perth: European Settlement to Modernism was written by members of the WA branch of the Australian Garden History Society, which includes historians, horticulturalists, landscape architects and cultural heritage practitioners. Encompassing about 130 years, each chapter includes an historical overview of the era, with many previously unpublished images, and a summary of the style of gardens that were popular during that period. The 200-page book features historic photographs, maps, plans and artworks, as well as a plant list appendix denoting the species available to WA gardeners over the years. A whole range of gardens are included, from domestic to institutional. Familiar gardens such as Kings Park, the Sunken Garden at the University of WA, Hyde Park and Queens Gardens all feature. WA branch chairman and co-editor John Viska said the book is the result of research for two exhibitions held in 2011 and 2018. He co-edited the book with Lisa Williams. "In 2020 it was 40 years since the society was born and we put forward a book project to celebrate," Mr Viska said. "We thought, 'We've got the words, we've got the exhibition panels', and we applied for a grant to turn them into book form. "It took a while but we got there." Historic Gardens of Perth: European Settlement to Modernism is available for $60 and would appeal to anyone with an interest in gardens and heritage. It will keep on giving, as all proceeds from the publication will go back to the community as grants to assist in garden restoration projects for heritage-listed properties. To order the book, click here.