Connecticut is uniquely rich in beautiful landscape, encompassing more than six hundred miles of serene shoreline along Long Island Sound, untold acres of open farmland, and the rolling hills and lakes of the famed northwest corner on the New York/Massachusetts border. The varied topography and microclimates have given rise to an unusual range of gardens.   Twenty-eight are presented here, a rare and privileged glimpse of the private retreats of prominent members of the fashion, design, arts, and business communities. Some are grand in scale, others exceedingly modest, but all have been cared for and tended with great love. None of these gardens was made overnight and many have taken years to come to fruition. The garden of the Greek god Adonis may have "one day blossomed and fruitful were the next," but not any of the gardens featured in this book.   In an engaging and highly anecdotal text, Jane Garmey tells the story of the creation of the gardens and the pleasure the owners take in them while John Hall's magnificent photographs of sumptuous flowers and luxuriant foliage bring them to life