Garden-Craft Old and New

This compact volume walks readers through the essentials of garden design, beginning with a clear exposition of the underlying theory before moving to the aesthetics that give a garden its character. Drawing on centuries of English practice, the author contrasts the careful craftsmanship of historic enclosures with the more daring, loosely structured landscapes favored today. Nine detailed plates—ranging from sundial plans to perspective sketches of yew hedges—provide visual reference for each concept.

The book’s second half offers a pragmatic look at gardening techniques, from soil preparation to the layout of terraces and tennis lawns, while still honoring the spirit of bygone English estates. Interwoven with personal reflections, it argues for a balance between wildness and order, urging modern gardeners to draw inspiration rather than copy past forms. Readers will come away with both a historical appreciation and practical ideas they can adapt to their own grounds.