The Garden as Fine Art


Harland Hand [1922-1998], inspired by the principles of fine art and rock formations in the High Sierra, designed this hillside garden with breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay.

Using concrete, curving lines and dramatic color combinations, Hand created an emotionally evocative space that houses an extraordinary plant collection.


"I am an artist working on a sculpture" -- Harland Hand

Mr. Hand designed gardens as works of fine art, intended primarily for beauty rather than utility. Like fine art, the garden was to be a place that was original, emotionally powerful and composed. Schooled in abstract expressionism, Mr. Hand eschewed mere decoration. If something was "pretty," he would discourage it in favor of something irregular and even disturbing.

Through trial and error as much as the study of art through the ages, Mr. Hand created powerful spaces and dramatic color combinations. Because the garden is ever changing, he regarded it as the most challenging art form.