Wild by Design

'An essential book for anyone exploring the wilder side of gardening.' Paul Bangay

In Wild by Design, Tim Pilgrim shares the joys of naturalistic gardening - an approach inspired by the dynamic beauty of untamed plants, the garden as wildlife habitat, the rhythm of the seasons, our future climate, and the visual rewards of relaxing our need for control.

With stunning photography by Martina Gemmola, Wild by Design presents the creative inspiration, information and tools you'll need to create your own plant-driven naturalistic garden, whether you're starting with an existing garden or a blank slate. Learn about:
• soil
• materials
• composition
• propagation
• maintenance.

As well, Tim shares a detailed pictorial guide to his 100 most trusted and useful plants for naturalistic compositions.

More than a how-to guide, though, Wild by Design is a deep reflection on the naturalistic movement in an Australian context, capturing the change, texture, climate, looseness and light that make Australian naturalistic gardens unique in the world. It's a book for ambitious home gardeners both urban and rural, as well as professional landscape designers exploring new philosophies of gardening, and anyone who finds joy in gardens.

'An essential book for anyone exploring the wilder side of gardening.' Paul Bangay

'Wild by Design contains some of the most succinct and disarmingly insightful definitions of naturalistic gardening that I've read anywhere. There's such a clarity of purpose here - in both the garden designs, and the writing about this broad and infinitely engaging topic.' Michael McCoy, The Gardenist

'Tim has very successfully synthesised some nebulous concepts into practical ideas. His modesty, candour, romanticism, intellect and art come through beautifully in his writing.' Simon Rickard

'One of the most useful and beautiful books I have seen on modern planting design in Australia.' Claire Takacs

'Through considered perspectives and carefully selected case studies, Wild by Design illuminates how beauty emerges from working with, rather than against, nature. Lovely reading for anyone seeking to create an authentic, place-based garden that nourishes both the land and the heart.' Jac Semmler

'Congratulations to Tim for bringing his joyous garden designs to a well-crafted and richly textured book. I recommend it to those with an interest in plants and reimagining their garden as both a place for repose and nature.' Fiona Brockhoff

Based on Dja Dja Wurrung Country in Central Victoria, Tim Pilgrim is renowned for his naturalistic gardens. With almost two decades of experience, Tim has developed a distinct style that blends the traditional and the modern. His formal horticultural training provides a strong foundation in hands-on skills, and a deep understanding of how plantings work in the real world. He is known for his emphasis on sustainable, considered plantings that are suited to local climates, and his plant selections are highly regarded.

In his garden designs, Tim draws on the work of contemporary innovators and their ethereal styles. The outcome is a much sought-after naturalistic aesthetic, applied to the Australian landscape. A true plantsman, Tim uses his exceptional plant knowledge and natural eye to create immersive planting design.

He has worked in some of Australia's most renowned gardens including the Garden of St Erth (Diggers), Sefton and Paul Bangay's Stonefields, and his work has been featured in Country Style, Australian House & Garden, The Design Files and Gardens Illustrated among other publications. Wild by Design is his first book.

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