How to Design a Garden

John Brookes MBE (1933–2018) revolutionized garden design with a new design philosophy and methodology that focused on using gardens as extensions of the home. He introduced the idea that people of all income levels could have designed, fashionable gardens tailored to their needs, low-maintenance, and beautiful in his 1969 book, A Room Outside. His approach was unprecedented and included the then-novel idea that people of all income levels could have designed, fashionable gardens tailored to their needs, low-maintenance, and beautiful. How to Design a Garden is an informative and practical collection of his thoughts and advice selected from countless writings and lectures given to students, professionals, and the public around the world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 07 October 2021
Publisher: Pimpernel Press Ltd

John Brookes MBE (1933-2018) revolutionized garden design in the 1960s, introducing a new philosophy and methodology centered around the idea that gardens are for the people who live in them. Recognizing the demands of contemporary lifestyles, he departed from traditional labor-intensive garden designs and the focus on showcasing plants. Instead, he advocated for gardens as extensions of the home, promoting their use as functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

Brookes' groundbreaking approach was unprecedented in its inclusivity. He believed that people of all income levels could have designed, fashionable gardens tailored to their needs, low-maintenance, and beautiful. This notion was encapsulated in his 1969 book, A Room Outside, which provided practical advice on materials, methodology, and planting.

John's teaching and lecturing took him around the world, earning him the title of the "king and godfather of garden and landscape design." His energetic writing, teaching, and media appearances further solidified his reputation. How to Design a Garden is an informative and practical collection of his thoughts and advice, selected from countless writings and lectures given to students, professionals, and the public.

In addition to his teachings on garden design, the book explores two key themes: environmental sustainability and a focus on the local vernacular. These themes demonstrate how far ahead of his time Brookes was and how his teaching remains relevant to garden-makers today.

John Brookes' legacy continues to inspire and influence garden designers worldwide. His innovative approach to garden design, combined with his emphasis on functionality, sustainability, and inclusivity, has shaped the way we think about and create outdoor spaces. His teachings remind us that gardens are not just about aesthetics but also about the people who inhabit them and the broader environment.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 170 x 231 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781910258910