Book excerpt: In her well-rounded career as a landscape architect, horticultural specialist, garden consultant, teacher, floral designer and speaker, Janice Parker has distinguished herself by rethinking accepted landscape practices and developing inventive, personal solutions for difficult problems. Designing A Vision is a captivating and inspiring close-up of Janice Parker’s practice, namely her creative process and prodigious output of incredible works spanning more than three decades. Janice has extensive hands-on experience in every facet of landscape and design—so she intimately understands how it all works. As a result, the work depicted in Designing A Vision is realistic, and inspiring. Containing first-hand accounts of Janice’s experience and practice, this beautiful volume is replete with case studies, anecdotes and insights. Verdant photography augments an incredible number of color renderings, watercolors, inspiring artworks, illustrations and plans. Quotes: “Janice Parker has put her spectacular talents to work on behalf of all New Yorkers through her service to the city’s community gardens and Million Trees NYC program. Now, with this book, her extraordinary eye for beauty is on display for all the world to see. Her reverence for the art of nature is equaled only by her passion for the creativity of design, and the combination is both amazing and inspiring.” — Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg LP and mayor of New York City, 2002–2013 “I know Janice Parker as the dedicated and determined landscape architect who helped The New York Restoration Project launch Million Trees NYC by designing The Cherry Tree Project, the beautiful installation that transformed Harlem River Drive in New York City.” “After reading this book, you too will be ready to go out and plant trees—with a greater understanding of the process and creative spirit that guides innovative and extraordinary landscapes. The passion and love Janice has for the natural world and design comes through on every page, with a unique blend of stunning photographs, art, design and most important, the clear-eyed principles that help produce great landscape and gardens.” —Bette Midler