Beginning in the 1960s, John Brookes MBE (1933–2018) revolutionized garden design, with a new design philosophy and methodology that was rooted in the notion that gardens are about the people who live in them. Recognizing the demands of the contemporary lifestyle, he broke with previous labor-intensive garden design traditions and the emphasis on showcasing plants. Instead he promoted using gardens as extensions of the home.
He introduced this notion in his 1969 book, A Room Outside, which also contained practical advice on materials, methodology, and planting. 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. John taught and lectured around the world and, thanks to his energetic writing, teaching and media appearances, he became regarded as the ‘king’ and ‘godfather’ of garden and landscape design.
How to Design a Garden is an informative and ultimately practical collection of his thoughts and advice selected from countless writings and lectures given to students, professionals and the public around the world. In addition to his teaching on how to design a garden, the book has two key themes – environmental sustainability and a focus on the local vernacular. They show how far ahead he was of his time and to what a great extent his teaching remains relevant to garden-makers today.
About the Author
John Brookes designed gardens and landscapes all over the world. He founded schools of design in Japan, Chile and Argentina and, most famously, the Clock House School of Design at Denmans, West Sussex. He was awarded an MBE for garden design and services to horticulture, the Award of Distinction of the American Association of Professional Landscape Designers, the Garden Writers’ Association of America Award of Excellence, and countless other international awards.
Praise For…
"John Brookes, "the man who made the modern garden", is even today the most inspired and inspiring teacher of garden design." - Cleve West, author, The Garden of Vegan
"A collection of some of his best writings and lectures, lest we forget what a witty, opinionated, clever man he was, with an acute eye for topography and the local vernacular, and an unsnobbish sympathy for ordinary gardeners in their small gardens. All these virtues are presented in horticultural spades in this anthology." —Spectator
"Whether you are a garden owner starting out or a seasoned practitioner seeking further inspiration, there is every reason to read it. It will engender curiosity and set your mind working along many different and fascinating paths." —Garden Design Journal
