A Story of Stone: The Quiet Wisdom of Placing Rock

A Story of Stone: The Quiet Wisdom of Placing Rock, by landscape architect Virginia T. Burt, reflects on a fundamental material in landscape architecture. Stone, in all its forms—from bedrock and boulders to cobbles and pebbles—and its role in creating meaningful landscapes.

Drawing on more than three decades of practice, this book reveals how thoughtful design can elevate this humble, elemental material into something deeply expressive. Written for both landscape architects and the general public, this compact volume fosters a deeper understanding of stone’s purpose in shaping place. Bridging the worlds of landscape architecture and poetry, A Story of Stone guides readers on how to tap into the magic and mystery of this transformative material.

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Capturing Essence

Published upon the 30th anniversary of the firm Virginia Burt Designs (VBD), Capturing Essence features 17 projects that together express the firm’s philosophy and passion and capture the wide-ranging scope of its work.

Capturing Essence is a natural expression of the spirit and distinction of the work of Virginia Burt Designs, created with care and meticulous attention to materials, to form, to harmony, and to the essence of nature.

Thank You To Our Sponsors

Tree Sponsors – Lead Patrons

Rockscape Limited

Tamarack North

Native Landscapes & Gardens

“Congratulations to Virginia Burt for her creativity, imagination, and inspiring energy that makes her gardens as presented in Capturing Essence a thrill to experience.”

In Honor of Lifeworks Autism Services

Sunlight Sponsors

  • A. Lacroix Granit
  • Doug Brown
  • Crystal Fountains
  • Environmental Design Group Ltd.
  • Park Street Solutions
  • AJL Landscaping Muskoka

Water Sponsors

  • Andrew Wall – Sandler Milton
  • Jessica Crandlemire – With Light and Shadow Photography
  • The Fairways at Kirrie Glen

Stone Sponsors

  • Dan Klick
  • Elkpath Home Services
  • Richard Mandelkorn Photography

Stone Sponsor – $1,000 to $2,500

  • One signed copy of Capturing Essence
  • Sponsor’s name listed in the online Acknowledgements
  • Invitation to celebrate the launch of Capturing Essence

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Water Sponsor – $2,501 to $5,000

  • Two signed copies of Capturing Essence
  • All benefits provided to Stone sponsors
  • Inclusion as sponsor in print and online book marketing materials

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Sunlight Sponsor – $5,001 to $10,000

  • Three signed copies of Capturing Essence
  • All benefits provided to Water sponsors
  • Prominent placement of sponsor recognition on VBD Capturing Essence webpages, newsletters, and three VBD social media posts announcing Capturing Essence
  • Early receipt of the book before public release
  • Sponsorship acknowledgement at book launch events

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Tree Sponsor – $10,001 to $25,000

  • Five signed copies of Capturing Essence
  • All benefits provided to Sunlight sponsors
  • Premier recognition as Lead Patron across VBD website and newsletters, and VBD social media
  • Dedicated sponsor spotlight on VBD website and newsletter featuring sponsor’s name, logo, and short statement, if desired
  • Recognition at all book launch events and author talks
  • Invitation to private book celebration event or other VIP gathering

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Become a Sponsor (CAD)
Become a Sponsor (USD)