The Minimalist Garden

Over the course of the twentieth century many of the best garden designers looked to the past for inspiration; at the turn of the millennium, however, a fresh approach to garden design–minimalism–has moved to the forefront. The philosophy of minimalism, rooted simultaneously in classicism and modernism, has had a strong influence on architecture and interior and graphic design, as well as landscape. Minimalist gardens, with their emphasis on clean lines, pure form, and a strong sense of place, are closely related to contemporary architecture and lifestyles. New trends in more relaxed and ecologically aware planting have contributed greatly to the development of such green spaces, and the creative use of trees and hedges to define and control space is often an important design element.

In this volume, award-winning garden designer Christopher Bradley-Hole has drawn together a great variety of minimalist gardens from around the world–large and small, urban and rural. The projects are grouped into thematic chapters, including the landscape garden, pools and water gardens, courtyard gardens, and terrace and roof gardens. Among the designers are Vladimir Sitta, John Pawson, Luis Barragán, Seth Stein, Jacques Wirtz, Martha Schwartz, Shodo Suzuki, and Isamu Noguchi. Large color photographs and detailed images show the gardens in context; the text discusses the inspiration behind each garden, the relationship of space and proportions, and the frequent use of unusual materials and imaginative planning. Directories of materials and plants for the minimalist garden are included as well.