Planting Design: Gardens in Time and Space
A gardening book that tackles theoretical questions and the practicalities of gardening with equal aplomb.
Horticulture
Home gardeners with a keen interest in design, as well as professional landscape designers, will find invaluable advice in this new approach. The book focuses on the general principles behind creating successful and beautiful plant combinations in both time and space — working with perennials in the context of trees, shrubs, and the surrounding landscape. The authors suggest looking across, into, and through the landscape. They ask the reader to consider the rhythms and connections in their designs, through such elements as echoes, linkages, and repetitions. More than just theory, Planting Design includes practical discussion of topics such as soil preparation, plant selection, and garden maintenance. Exceptional photographs show growth of a designed landscape over time, opening the gardener to new ways of seeing and thinking about their landscapes.
- Format: Hardcover
- Pages: 176 pp.
- Book dimensions: 9½ x 11 in. (240 x 280 mm.)
- Images: 200 color photos
- ISBN-10: 0881927406
- ISBN-13: 9780881927405
Media reviews
"Piet Oudolf and Noël Kingsbury have accomplished quite a feat with Planting Design — they have written a gardening book that tackles theoretical questions and the practicalities of gardening with equal aplomb."
—Erin Kappeler, Horticulture
"I spent the first few minutes with this book wondering how they ever determined which of these high-powered plantsmen would have his name first on the cover."
—Valerie Easton, Seattle Times
"His writing is so honest and opinionated ... even when Oudolf is writing a straightforward directory of plants, his personality shows through."
—Amy Stewart, North Coast Journal
"We are enthusiastic about the 'new approach' to ornamental landscaping presented by Oudolf and Kingsbury ... practical advice, beautiful photographs ... Bravo, bravo, bravo!"
—HortIdeas
"Excellent as an advanced course in Oudolf's "New Wave" planting movement that advocates choosing plants that are in harmony with the surrounding landscape, are well adapted to the native soil and growng conditions, and that will develop beautifully over time."
—American Gardener
"These two men bring their extensive knowledge of horticulture and sustainability to the realm of public design in an attempt to further the creation of contemporary landscapes that offer beauty and change instead of the often sterile public landscape. This is a thought-provoking book that will stimulate your mind and your imagination."
—Bobbie Schwartz, Buckeye
"Planting Design stands apart from many other garden design books because the authors have wisely and graciously included extensive plant lists. The book is a feast for the eyes."
—Mary Ann Newcomer, Idaho Botanical Garden
About the authors
Piet Oudolf
Piet Oudolf is a native of Holland and originally studied to be an architect. Instead of designing buildings he became the founder of New Wave planting, a movement which takes inspiration from nature but employs artistic skill in creating planting schemes.
Noël Kingsbury
A lover of wild spaces, Noël Kingsbury is especially fond of the way plants group naturally when left to their own devices. Noël is firmly in the vanguard of new developments, playing a major role in popularizing naturalistic and sustainable planting.
Read more about Noël Kingsbury
Designing the New Kitchen Garden
The Well-Designed Mixed Garden