Life on Mar's: A Four Season Garden

t's a story that will make you feel right at home. It began just over a decade ago when Mar Jennings, banker turned author and lifestyle expert, bought a three-story colonial townhouse, becoming the foundation on which his creativity and passion for design began to sprout. He added a simple sixteen-by-ten-foot garage in the rear of the property to complement the home's architectural style and curb appeal. And that was just the beginning.This lot, in the greater downtown Westport, CT, area, seemed to be waiting as well. Originally created as a subdivision in 1921 but left untouched until 1995 when a builder-Rick Benson & Company-purchased this intimate property and broke ground to built the 2,000 square foot house. It's now named "Rosebrook Gardens", due to the spectacular variety of roses that grace the gardens, and its proximity to the lovely brook which ran through the original property. This was quickly becoming a home-not just a house for him, but for others to enjoy and MARvel. This gracious home was completely decorated and renovated by Jennings to reflect his personal passion for casual luxury and serenity. The property includes breathtaking gardens all designed and planted by the owner. The garden design perfectly maximizes the lot, which is less than a quarter-acre. The interior design and color theme brings the gardens inside, as if mother nature intended it that way. The outdoor offers endless opportunities for entertaining and social gatherings.Now back to the garage, where his design passion first began. Fittingly, it was redesigned as a garden studio in 2002, and is stocked meticulously with the usual outdoor essentials-terra cotta, fresh-cut flowers, potted plants, tools and gardening reference books.Life on Mar's, A Four Season Garden, this beautiful oversize coffee table book uncovers how a home can serve as inspiration with simplicity and style, balancing natural solutions with everyday elegance. Rosebrook Gardens offers a unique passionate look into the heart and soul of a man's motivation to share his love for his home, garden and life.   'Life on Mar's: A Four Season Garden' is a photographic essay documenting the four seasons of a Connecticut garden as seen and photographed through the eyes of Mar Jennings. This remarkable journey takes you on a private tour of his enchanting Westport, Connecticut gardens and vine-covered garden studio. Using a seasonal approach, Mar leads you on a detailed tour beginning with the emerging colors of spring. This book provides beautiful garden design, detail and implementation ideas that are easy enough for novices and interesting enough for seasoned gardeners. Chapters divide the book into each part of the year; gardening advice, gorgeous photos, and a recipe and cocktail all help you celebrate the changes in nature. Mar's no-nonsense approach keeps it simple so that anyone can learn, enjoy, and enhance the many benefits of a gardening experience. You will be inspired and delighted by this charming book.