That is a great quote.

Is it a book of essays?

nope, its more of a 'how to' guide for managing a developing garden. After the 1st couple of chapters, it becomes less unique, just the usual generic garden info.

It does have some basic info, but some people (some of them are landscapers, too) need to be told it seems that not every plant is purchased, that age can be a good thing.
We have WAAAY too many clowns around here that come in and hack everything to the ground and then haul in the black nursery pots (in the Garden District, mind you, where there are such wonders as thirteen foot high boxwood TREES, not to mention the oaks which will die if too many roots are cut while you put in that pool that you'll never swim in.)