Looking for a good book this fall? Pick up "The Greater Perfection" by Francis H. Cabot (Hortus Press, W.W. Norton and Co., 2001, $75). This oversize volume must be one of the most beautiful garden books ever published. Les Quatre Vents in Charlevoix County, Quebec, has been tended by Frank Cabot's family since the 1920s. His own involvement in shaping the garden forms the heart of the story, for Cabot, founder and chairman of The Garden Conservancy, has gardened intensely here for the past 25 years. As in many compelling tales, this one includes the drama of family history set against a unique landscape. But here the garden is the main story, as shown by the stunning pictures taken by five different photographers. Despite its estate-like scale and complex design (including a goose allée, meadow garden, Japanese pavilions and a stream garden) the garden remains a personal space, and this is the charm of its story. The Japanese garden, as well as some of the foggy photos with big mossy trees, are surprisingly reminiscent of Northwest landscapes.

Cabot grew up in this garden and knows the genesis and evolution of each part of it. His mother was inspired to create the elegant white garden by the writings of Vita Sackville West, and Cabot himself was so exhausted from two days spent tromping through the gardens with legendary garden designer Russell Page that he nearly reverted to golf as a hobby. The photos of reflection pools, a Japanese tea house in the mist and the famous rope bridge strung across a vast ravine make us forget this masterpiece is a family garden. We are reminded of its true nature by Cabot's lively and personal text, as well as by the photo of the family terrier D'whinnie sitting still as a statue watching over the ducks and geese.
 
Glass to ogle or wear

After you spend an hour in the hot shop at Tacoma's new Museum of Glass watching artists blow glass, you may want to take some art home with you. The Museum Store across the lobby from the hot shop has handmade glass, wood ceramic pieces by contemporary artists from around the world, and, as might be expected, is well-stocked with glass, from a cone-shaped paperweight for $25 to stately vases costing hundreds of dollars. Jewelry includes a glass umbilical necklace, inspired by the human belly button, and a "Laughing Mango" necklace made of orange, blue and yellow beads. The museum is at 1801 E. Dock St., Tacoma. For information, call 866-4-MUSEUM, or visit its Web page at www.museumofglass.org.

Gathering more leaves

The many people addicted to the Republic of Tea's Ginger Peach flavor will be pleased to know the company has a new kind of teapot made to efficiently infuse full-leaf leaves. Its stoutly rounded shape, sturdy little legs and molded black top and handle give it an amusing yet modern silhouette. To use, you simply open the lid, scoop tea leaves into the built-in infuser, add heated water, close the lid, then tilt the teapot back on its hind legs and handle for brewing. After the tea is steeped, tilt the pot forward and pour. Made in Germany of heat-resistant glass and dishwasher safe, the Globo Teapot holds about six cups, costs $75 and is available from Republic of Tea at 800-298-4832 or www.republicoftea.com.