How to Design a Garden

by Jon Brookes, Gwendolyn van Paasschen (Editor), Andrew Duff (Preface)

Beginning in the 1960s, John Brookes MBE (1933–2018) revolutionized garden design, with a new design philosophy and methodology that was rooted in the notion that gardens are about the people who live in them. Recognizing the demands of the contemporary lifestyle, he broke with previous labor-intensive garden design traditions and the emphasis on showcasing plants. Instead he promoted using gardens as extensions of the home.

He introduced this notion in his 1969 book, A Room Outside , which also contained practical advice on materials, methodology, and planting. His approach was unprecedented and included the then-novel idea that people of all income levels could have designed, fashionable gardens tailored to their needs, low-maintenance, and beautiful. John taught and lectured around the world and, thanks to his energetic writing, teaching and media appearances, he became regarded as the ‘king’ and ‘godfather’ of garden and landscape design.

How to Design a Garden is an informative and ultimately practical collection of his thoughts and advice selected from countless writings and lectures given to students, professionals and the public around the world. In addition to his teaching on how to design a garden, the book has two key themes – environmental sustainability and a focus on the local vernacular. They show how far ahead he was of his time and to what a great extent his teaching remains relevant to garden-makers today.

Genres: Gardening

224 pages, Paperback

Expected publication January 20, 2026

Reviews

[Barbara Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

How to Design a Garden by John Brookes (not to be confused with Pollyanna Wilkinson's recent book of the same name) gathers various writings of garden designer John Brookes into one volume. Early in his career, Brookes was a known pioneer of garden design, bringing the elements of home design into the garden and considering how the garden will be lived in, and who will care for it, rather than simply the aesthetics of putting plants together in formal, traditional garden design.

This is not a book about how to nurture the garden but a solid introduction to how to plan a garden. Brookes suggest taking ample time to consider how much time you can spend caring for the garden and your desire to do so, as well as how your garden will be an extension of your home. He reminds the reader to think about the practicalities of where garden supplies will be kept and how necessary household items like trash bins will be stored, even hidden by the garden elements. Many of the pieces were originally written close to fifty years ago; the images feel dated and use more hardscaping than modern gardens. There's little discussion about plant choice or using natives.

I can see this book being of interest to professional landscape designers from an historic perspective to learn about the changes Brookes brought to garden design, especially his groundbreaking (pardon the pun) displays at the Chelsea Garden Show, which paved the way for garden design as we know it today. For dilettante gardeners, it could be a helpful planning guide alongside other gardening books that focus more on plant selection and care.

Thank you to NetGalley and Pimpernel Press for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

#netgalley #howtodesignagarden

[Matt Stepka · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for any professional gardener, designer, even landscaper. John Brookes is a fascinating mind and was way ahead of his time. This is my first work of his that I have read, and although I always understood his important role in the industry, I never truly appreciated his character and perspectives.

NOTE: This title is misleading - it is not a guide to garden design. Instead, it is a collection of John's thoughts, speeches, essays etc. It is practical yet also philosophical. Some beautiful points about native planting.

Did become a bit of a ramble near the end but great work nevertheless.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley.
This book is an ideal starter book for someone looking to design their own garden. It begins by talking about design principles and designing of gardens in general. There are good tips about looking at the locally found floral for ideas.
There is a chapter on soil types and a whole section with suggested plants.
It was an easy read. I finished it in two short sittings and it was easy to understand and follow.
In summary this is a good starter book. If your want more in depth plant suggestions there are other books out there but this focuses more on design.

[Casca Wardle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from ‘NetGalley’. This was a very detailed book showing you how to make the most of your land when you want to design a garden. It is full of helpful tips and advice, along with some pretty illustrations and also examples of sketched plans showing various garden styles. I would say this is a useful guide for garden starters, or for anyone who is interested in designing a garden that meets their individual tastes and compliments their house style.


I’m giving this book a 5 out of 5! It was an interesting read and will help you to design your desired garden.