The two books that influenced me most were:
Garden Design by Dame Sylvia Crowe.
This book was helpful for me because the author describes, in a straightforward way how the principles of design for large significant gardens should also apply to smaller private gardens. Successful design,, the author emphasises, develops from a thorough assessment of the needs and characteristics of the site together with skilful incorporation of ideas, all contributing to an air of inevitability and a result which “…could be no other way”. The author describes how the use of appropriate materials leads to unity and harmony. Most helpfully the author outlines some design principles: unity; scale; time; space division; light and shade; texture; tone and colour; and style.
The Education of a Gardener by Russell Page.
In his book Russell Page emphasises the importance of having a feel for the site, and the ways of nature, before choosing plants appropriate for the soil and conditions. He also includes instructive ideas about selecting and planting trees and shrubs – not least relating them to the type of soil in which they should flourish – and the use of flowers.
The design and planting of the National Trust gardens at Powis Castle, Hinton Ampner, Hidcote, Sissinghurst, and Tintinhull influenced me and also the private garden, Jenkyn Place, at Bentley near Farnham.
The plants that I chose to grow were, in the first place, ones I had known as a child, those in my parents’ garden, and plants I had noticed growing in local gardens. Amongst all my plants I only chose those suited to alkaline soil.
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