A garden classic, with a potent combination of original text, modern commentary and lush photography.
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William Robinson's revolutionary book, The Wild Garden, envisioned an authentically naturalistic approach to gardening that is more vital today than ever before. First published in 1870, The Wild Garden evolved through many editions and remained in print through the remainder of the author's lifetime (1838 — 1935). In the book, Robinson issued a forceful challenge to the prevailing style of the day, which relied upon tender plants arranged in rigidly geometrical designs. In sharp contrast, Robinson advocated the use of hardy, locally adapted native and exotic plants arranged according to local growing conditions. Robinson's vision was inspired by his first-hand observations of natural habitats in Europe and North America, and he put his ideas into practice in his own garden at Gravetye Manor in West Sussex. The Wild Garden was ground-breaking and hugely influential in its day, and is stunningly relevant to 21st-century gardeners and landscape stewards seeking to adopt sustainable design and management practices. In addition to the complete original text and illustrations from the fifth edition of 1895, this expanded edition includes new chapters and 125 colour photographs by award-winning photographer and landscape consultant Rick Darke. His new material places wild gardening in modern context, underscoring Robinson's importance in the evolution of ecological design and illustrating an inspiring diversity of contemporary wild gardens. The potent combination presented here makes this new edition of a timeless classic an essential resource for all who wish to know how we have arrived at our present understanding of gardens and what opportunities lie ahead. As will be immediately clear to anyone who leafs through this book, Robinson's urgent message continues to resonate.
Media Reviews
Robinson paved the way for a more naturalistic style of planting. Nearly 150 years later, the New Wild Garden provides a modern, urban take on Robinson's original vision. Whether you're interested in preventing flooding, helping wildlife or don't want to deadhead your plants or spend time lugging a watering can, a rain garden is an exciting prospect.
It was a revelation to me when I discovered The Wild Garden ... American landscape design consultant, Rick Darke, has written an introductory essay that not only underscores Robinson's importance in the evolution of garden design and ecology, but also explains his relevance for today's gardeners, designers and landscape professionals. As well as the wonderful original engravings by British artist, Alfred Parsons, that first appeared in the 1881 edition, this book contains 100 stunning photographs.
I would thoroughly recommend it to anyone who is interested, even mildly, in this approach to gardening and even if you aren't you might discover that Robinson challenges your thinking.
Prolifically illustrated with colour photographs... A very attractive publication and a welcome reappearance in print of the last 19th century edition of Robinson's seminal little book.
Despite being over a hundred years old, his [Robinson's] work is easy to read, full of interesting opinions and ideas that have stood the test of time remarkably well... a delightful book.
This is a very nicely produced book, lavishly illustrated with Rick's beautiful and intelligent photographs, that will appeal to gardeners, professional horticulturists and designers who are particularly interested in more sustainable gardening. If you have never read The Wild Garden, I'd strongly recommend this edition: the new material gives it an edge that has dissipated in the original.
As a text for anyone interested in naturalistic planting, this edition is by far the best.
The mix between ancient and modern format used to present this new edition of William Robinson's The Wild Garden is agreeable and helpful... It is, in effect, two books for the price of one and a handsome volume at that.
This is a welcome addition
to anyone’s gardening library and a book to be enjoyed as a work of reference.
One of the finest books of the year was first published in 1870. And who else but Rick Darke, could pull off an update, reminding us just how well The Wild Garden speaks to contemporary gardens and current ecological thinking?
