The Wild Garden

The Wild Garden
William Robinson, Rick Darke
Hardcover: 360 pages
Publisher: Timber Press; Extended edition edition (1 Jan. 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0881929557
ISBN-13: 9780881929553

Have you ever wondered why the gardens you see today look nothing like the formal, clipped designs you see in history books? The Wild Garden, first published in 1870, issued a forceful challenge to the prevailing garden style of the day and advocated a naturalistic style, in which hardy plants, both native and exotic, are arranged in groupings that mimic wild landscapes. Thanks to Robinson's passionate advocacy, and to the example he set in his own garden at Gravetye Manor in West Sussex, the naturalistic style triumphed - even to this day. It would be a mistake, however, to think of The Wild Garden as merely of historical interest. For this newly designed edition, Rick Darke has written an introductory essay that not only underscores Robinson's importance in the evolution of garden design and ecology, but also explains his relevance for today's gardeners, designers, and landscape professionals. In addition, the book contains 100 stunning photographs taken by Darke, including images of Gravetye and of modern wild gardens.