How to Design a Garden

‘John Brookes, “the man who made the modern garden”, is even today the most inspired and inspiring teacher of garden design.’ - Cleve West‘Design wis­dom of John Brookes is brought back to life’.‘The late John Brookes was one of the greatest 20th-century British garden designers and teachers. [This] is 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 with small gardens. All these virtues are present in horticultural spades in this anthology.’ – Ursula Buchan‘Portmanteau collection of writings, some previously unpublished, by the great modernist space-maker.’‘A fascinating study of John Brookes’ method of working. There is a great deal of common sense and inspiration…whether you are a garden owner starting out or a seasoned practitioner seeking further inspiration, there is every reason to read it.’ – David Stevens FSGD‘The art, craft and science of garden making is illuminated by the writings of a handful of great garden designers such as the late John Brookes, whose revolutionary book on the subject, How to Design a Garden, was published this year, edited by Gwendolyn van Paasschen.’ – Fionnuala Fallon‘I met John years ago and was amazed at how he looked at and read a garden….Such a great book, full of John’s insights, tips and more.’ – Mark Lane,‘The collection of essays, articles and lectures gathered in How to Design a Garden are simple and instructive whilst also illustrating Brookes’ way of thinking, characterised by great care and wisdom offset by a witty lack of beating about the bush…Practical, insightful and innovative, Brookes’ reflections as set down in this anthology are enduringly sharp - an essential book to have in your garden library.’‘Many will treasure this book and value John’s design advice and philosophy which remains completely relevant and forward looking today.’ – Reckless Gardener‘For those wishing to know more about how to design gardens, including their own, this inexpensive softback will act as mentor and guide.’ – Ian Hodgson’…reads as if garden designer John Brookes, who died in 2018, is sitting next to you talking…The essence of the book is a collection of writing, lectures, articles and thoughts that John had penned over more than 50 years. Brought together by Gwendolyn van Paasschen, Chair of the John Brookes Denmans Foundation, we are treated to John’s far-ranging words. Gwendolyn has done a sterling job in bringing the disparate writings together, cleverly inserting her commentary to help guide the reader.The book does talk about design, structure, placement, context, clients, sketching, planting and so on. But it’s the richness of all the other of John’s observations that make it so much more.This book is simple in its delivery - it fits perfectly in your hands and is simply laid out. Pimpernel Press is to be applauded for publishing it.’ – Chris Young‘The distilled essence of common sense. It makes you think about what you – or your client – needs, it makes you consider how the space will be used and how it sits in its landscape. What’s more, its focus on sustainability is well ahead of its time…. When it comes to separating the wheat from the chaff and the things you need from those you don’t, it tells you and it tells you straight. This is a book that delivers a firm talking to, in a good way.And, as John himself would say, if you stop and look, the answers are all there.’ – Naomi Slade‘There are many design truisms that remain pertinent, or perhaps timeless, and a review of John’s favourite plants may prove useful. His commentaries are fascinating’. – Andrew Wilson‘Packed with wisdom’

John Brookes (1933-2018) designed gardens all around the world, among them the College Green Garden at Westminster Abbey, the English Walled Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Barakura English Garden in Tateshina, Japan, the Zespol Palace Park in Kikole, Poland, and many gardens in Russia, the Middle East, and all over Europe and North and South America. He also taught garden design all over the world, and in 1980 he founded the Clock House School of Garden Design at Denmans, West Sussex.

John Brookes 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, including four Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medals. He lived at Denmans in West Sussex.

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