John Brookes (1) (1933–2018)

This is a large (22.5 x 28.5 cm), beautiful garden book published by Dorling Kindersley, London. It's theme is landscaping with nature. In other words, avoiding the manicured lawns and standardized borders of conventional landscapers in favor of a 'wilder' look incorporating native plants, natural elements and informal designs. Brookes has many years experience in putting his principles into practice. He lives in the south of England in Denmans where he has established a school of natural gardening. This book with its myriad photos and explanatory text begins with an overview of garden design covering the basics of choosing the site, testing and preparing the soil, establishing boundaries and areas and more. The remainder of the book serves a s a guide for specific plantings for natural garden habitats such as coastal, temperate, woodland, wetland, grassland, Mediterranean, tropical and town. Each section provides numerous suggestions for plants best suited to the type of garden, appropriate natural materials, how to incorporate water features and outdoor entertaining areas, and natural accents. These gardens have the added bonus of being relatively low maintenance, more disease and drought resistant and attractive to wildlife, birds and butterflies.… (mais)

Focus generally on larger country gardens - sections on gardens in the landscape, country styling. garden in winter, natural gardens, rugged garden, quarry garden, woodland garden, coloyur garden, gardens in spring, gravel garden, flower garden, cottage garden, enchanted garden, gardens in summer, water garden, shade garden, working garden, herb garden, garden in autumn and some garden case histories.

Sections on design and style practical and beautifully illustrated with plans, sketches and photos, as is the rest fo the book.

Some double page spreads show plants grouped under such titles as "stems in winter", "spring bulbs" etc.

Final section has a few plans and suggestions for planting in list form.… (mais)