Wonderlands - Book Review

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

This book visits the private gardens of eighteen top British garden designers—not the gardens they create for clients, but the ones they build for themselves. It’s full of personal stories, reflections, and plenty of inspiring ideas, all brought to life through stunning photography.

What really drew me into Clare’s book was how it uses colour—especially the darker shades—to bring the land to life in a thoughtful, understated way. The deep forest green cover isn’t just there to look good; it sets the tone. Instead of relying on bold, flashy images, the book opts for shadowy hues with the occasional burst of colour. That quiet, intentional style mirrors the designers' philosophy perfectly. It gives you a sense of how they engage with the land—working with it rather than over it, and subtly shaping it to reflect their own sense of place.

Professional designers often work within constraints—tight deadlines, client demands, and prescribed aesthetics. These limitations can restrict creative freedom and dilute personal vision.

In contrast, their private gardens offer complete autonomy. Free from external pressure, designers can explore ideas at their own pace, experiment boldly, and adapt organically.

These spaces become pure expressions of their artistic identity—unfiltered reflections of their design philosophy and creative spirit, unlike anything shaped by client expectations.

Rather than reading the book cover to cover, I was instinctively drawn to the chapters on designers whose work has long captivated me - Butter Wakefield, Sarah Price, Arabella Lennox-Boyd, and Arne Maynard. Their gardens have always resonated deeply, continuing to spark my imagination and broaden my sense of what a garden can be.

Once I’d explored those familiar voices, I turned to the designers I knew less about—and was pleasantly surprised. Their stories offered fresh ideas and unexpected perspectives, a rewarding reminder of the endless creativity and innovation in garden design.

Butter Wakefield is a gardener and designer I’ve admired for years, thanks to her gift for crafting small gardens that feel both personal and universally inviting. At the heart of her design lies a wildflower meadow, gently flowing through the garden with a natural, effortless charm. Eager to discover more, I turned to the book, which offered a wonderful glimpse into Butter’s experience nurturing this special space. The meadow bursts with life—from Narcissi and Cowslips to Geranium phaeum and the striking Allium ‘Purple Sensation'. But it’s the steel water bowl at the center that truly invites you in—a peaceful, meditative feature that welcomes birds, insects, and visitors alike to share in the garden’s quiet magic.

My admiration for Sarah Price runs deep, especially after her stunning success at the 2024 Chelsea Flower Show and her key role in restoring Cedric Morris’s former home, Benton End, through the Garden Museum’s inspiring project. But what really draws me in—and what the book beautifully highlights—is how she cares for what used to be her grandparents’ garden in the idyllic Monmouthshire countryside. This garden, steeped in family history, offers a heartfelt connection to her past—a living bridge between generations. It’s this rare blend of personal memory and historic restoration that gives Sarah’s gardens a special sense of purpose and authenticity. Her gift for weaving together past and present makes her work not only inspiring but deeply moving.

I was especially excited to see Arabella Lennox-Boyd featured in the book. Her work has been a lasting source of admiration for me, and my visit to Gresgarth Hall, along with her insightful talk on ‘Gardens of My Life’ at the Geographical Society, only deepened my respect for her vision. Arabella’s name is synonymous with excellence in landscape design, having created stunning gardens for clients like Sting and the Duke of Westminster. What makes her story truly remarkable, though, is her journey—from a single mother in London studying Landscape Architecture to building a celebrated career through skill and quiet resilience. Her path is a powerful reminder of the dedication behind every beautiful garden she’s designed.

Arne Maynard holds a special place in my heart as my all-time favourite garden designer. His book, "The Gardens of Arne Maynard", was a turning point for me—transforming a casual interest into a deep passion. Some time ago, I was lucky enough to stay at Allt y Bela, his home nestled in the rolling Monmouthshire countryside. The experience was truly transformative. Bertie Bainbridge, the Head Gardener at the time, gave me a personal tour that went far beyond the usual—it felt like stepping into a living story, where every corner of the garden reflected Arne’s unique vision. That day, the connection between designer and landscape, artistry and nature, came alive for me in a powerful way. So, I was genuinely thrilled to see him featured in Clare’s book.

The chapter on Arne Maynard is truly captivating. It reveals not only his deep understanding of how a garden can enhance and blend seamlessly with its surroundings, but also how the landscape itself holds meaning. What stands out most is Arne’s view of himself as a gardener first, rather than a traditional designer—a refreshing perspective that roots his work in the living, breathing world of nature instead of just aesthetics. His garden is always evolving, a dynamic space where editing and refining are part of the creative journey. One especially intriguing detail is his ‘cabinet of curiosities’—a private, almost secret spot by his house where he gathers inspiration and reflects. This glimpse into his ongoing creative process offers a fascinating look at a designer whose work goes beyond design, embracing personal expression and thoughtful exploration.

I found myself naturally drawn to the chapters featuring my favourite designers—those whose work truly speaks to my sensibilities and style. But what really stands out in this book is how Clare Coulson has beautifully woven together a rich tapestry of diverse voices and approaches, making sure there’s something to resonate with every reader, no matter their background or taste. It’s a rare gift to see such a wide range of design philosophies brought together in one place. This book is not just a source of inspiration but a valuable resource for anyone interested in gardening and design. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or an aspiring designer, I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Garden Writer | Guineveres Garden