Authors
Rosemary Alexander
Rosemary Alexander, a pioneering figure in the world of garden design, has devoted a lifetime to her profession, running an established garden design business as well as the English Gardening School, where she directs the Garden-Design Diploma Course and takes a keen interest in the progress of the school’s Distance Learning students.
She takes pride in her students — five of them were awarded medals at the Chelsea Flower Show in 2002 — and credits her many years of teaching and her personal experiences in creating gardens as her inspiration for writing.
Rosemary has worked on gardens throughout the world and was tenant of the National Trust property, Stoneacre, in Kent, where she created a romantic Old World garden. According to Rosemary, "As more people realize that working with nature to create a garden can be a therapeutic antidote to our stressful lives, garden design will become even more popular ... "
Rosemary’s passion for plants and gardening began in her early twenties when she created her first garden in Scotland. It was at this time that she trained as a landscape designer.
Rosemary enjoys having friends at her home where they can experience her well-tended gardens and home cooking, and take long walks. She also loves discussing plants with anyone, travelling and reading a good book.
Timber Press: What constitutes a well-designed garden?
Rosemary Alexander: One that has been planned to harmonize with the house and the surrounding landscape.
TP: Where did your interest in garden design begin?
RA: In my first garden in Scotland when I was in my early twenties — it had once been a very beautiful garden but was by then overgrown and neglected. I tried to restore it with the help of a local landscape architect.
TP:What are the things a beginner should know before designing a garden?
RA:What sort of plants that will be happy there, which depends on whether the soil is acid or alkaline so they must find that out. How much time they have to spend on maintenance. What style and type of planting will offset the house.
TP: What was your inspiration for writing this book?
RA:My many years of teaching students from all over the world at my school, The English Gardening School in central London and my personal experience of making many gardens. I wanted to pass on my experiences.
TP: What do you see as the future of garden design?
RA: As more people realize that working with nature to create a garden can be a therapeutic antidote to our stressful lives, garden design will become even more popular, particularly with young couples who are both working and do not have either time or the knowledge to experiment themselves. The TV makeover programs inspire them and they want to have something similar to show to their friends.
