Wonderlands - Book Review

Step into the world of "Wonderlands - British Garden Designers at Home", a captivating new book penned by Clare Coulson and brought to life through Eva Nemeth's stunning photography.

This beautifully presented book explores the private garden spaces of eighteen world-class garden designers. Each designer is featured in a dedicated chapter that combines engaging narrative with stunning images, offering readers a privileged glimpse into both the aesthetic appeal and philosophical thinking behind these deeply personal sanctuaries.

What captivated me most about Clare's book was its thoughtful evocation of land through the strategic use of colour, particularly darker tones. The book's deep forest green cover isn't merely decorative but symbolically significant—eschewing vibrant photographic displays in favour of shadowy tones punctuated by the occasional burst of colour. This restrained visual approach brilliantly echoes the designers' philosophy, offering readers a tantalizing glimpse into how these visionaries have transformed their own personal landscapes by working with the earth itself and exerting their own personal signature or touch upon it.

A recurring insight revealed that professional designers face constraints when working with clients—strict deadlines, specific requirements, and accommodating others' aesthetic preferences. In contrast, these same designers enjoy remarkable freedom in their personal gardens, where the luxury of time allows for organic evolution, bold experimentation, and spontaneous adaptation. Without external pressures or expectations, their private gardens become authentic expressions of their creative vision—pure, unfiltered manifestations of their artistic identity and horticultural philosophy.

Rather than reading the book from cover to cover, I found myself instinctively drawn to the chapters about designers whose work had long captivated me. I began with the stories of Butter Wakefield, Sarah Price, Arabella Lennox-Boyd, and Arne Maynard—designers whose gardens have always resonated with me, and whose work continues to ignite my imagination, deepening my understanding of what a garden can truly be. Once I had explored the chapters on my favourite designers, I moved on to those I was less familiar with, and I was pleasantly surprised by the new ideas and perspectives I encountered. It was a rewarding reminder of the endless possibilities and innovations in garden design.

Butter Wakefield is a gardener and designer whose work I’ve admired for years, largely because of her ability to create a small, yet deeply relatable garden that feels both personal and universally captivating. At the heart of her design is the wildflower meadow, a feature that stretches across the garden in a delicate, natural flow. Eager to understand more, I turned to the book, which offered a wealth of insight into Butter’s experience cultivating this space. The meadow is a thriving haven, with a diverse mix of plants, including Narcissi, Cowslips, Geranium phaeum, and the striking Allium 'Purple Sensation.' Yet, it’s the steel water bowl at the centre of the planting that truly encapsulates her philosophy—a serene, almost meditative feature that invites birds and insects to share in the quiet magic of the garden.

My admiration for Sarah Price runs deep, particularly after her stunning achievement at the 2024 Chelsea Flower Show, and her significant role in the restoration of Cedric Morris's former home, Benton End, as part of the Garden Museum’s ambitious project. But what truly captivates and is highlighted in the book, is the way she tends what used to be her grandparents' garden in the picturesque Monmouthshire countryside. This space, rich with family history, offers a deeply personal connection to her past—a bridge between generations. It’s this rare fusion of personal memory and historical restoration that infuses Sarah’s gardens with a unique sense of purpose and authenticity. Her ability to weave both the past and the present into her designs makes her work not only inspiring but profoundly moving.

I was particularly excited to see Arabella Lennox-Boyd featured in the book. Her work has long been a source of admiration for me, and my visit to Gresgarth Hall, followed by her insightful talk on 'Gardens of My Life' at the Geographical Society, deepened my respect for her vision. Arabella is a name synonymous with excellence in landscape design, having crafted stunning gardens for figures like Sting and the Duke of Westminster. What’s truly remarkable, however, is her journey—beginning as a single mother in London, studying Landscape Architecture, and gradually building a distinguished reputation for design. Her story is a testament to both her unparalleled skill and the quiet resilience that has shaped her career.

Arne Maynard occupies a unique place in my heart, standing as my all-time favourite garden designer. His book, The Gardens of Arne Maynard, was the turning point for me—the moment when a casual interest blossomed into a deeper passion. Some time ago, I had the rare opportunity to stay at Allt y Bela, his home nestled in the rolling Monmouthshire countryside. The experience was transformative. I had the privilege of being shown around his personal garden by the Head Gardener at that time, Bertie Bainbridge. It was an experience that transcended the usual tour—each corner of the garden felt like a carefully crafted narrative, drawing me further into the essence of Arne’s vision. That day, the connection between designer and landscape, between artistry and nature, became all the more real and inspiring and I was thrilled to see him featured in Clare's book.

The chapter dedicated to Arne Maynard is nothing short of captivating. It reveals not only his deep understanding of how to design a garden that enhances and seamlessly integrates with its surrounding landscape, but also how that landscape carries its own significance. What strikes me most is Arne’s emphasis on his identity as a gardener first, rather than a traditional designer—a refreshing shift in perspective that grounds his work in the living, breathing world of nature rather than mere aesthetics. His garden is a constant work in progress, a dynamic, ever-evolving entity where the act of editing and refining becomes part of the creative process itself. Particularly intriguing is the concept of his 'cabinet of curiosities'—a personal, almost secretive space right by his house, where he collects and reflects. This glimpse into his ongoing creative journey offers a fascinating insight into the mind of a designer whose work goes far beyond mere design, delving into the realms of personal expression and thoughtful exploration.

I found myself drawn to the chapters that spotlight my own favourite designers, the ones whose work truly aligns with my sensibilities and personal style. But what stands out in this book is how Clare Coulson has expertly woven together a tapestry of diverse voices and approaches, ensuring that every reader, no matter their tastes or background, can find something to resonate with. It’s a rare gift to see such a range of design philosophies gathered in one place, making this book not just a source of inspiration, but a valuable resource for anyone with an interest in gardening and design. For anyone seeking to expand their horizons, whether seasoned gardener or aspiring designer, I can’t recommend it enough.

Garden Writer | Guineveres Garden