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New Classic Gardens
Jill Billington (Quadrille 2000)
(Published in association with the Royal Horticultural Society)
This book is a breath of fresh air. Classic gardens bring to mind the opulence of Versailles or Hampton Court, but this book brings a new slant to formal, classic garden design. Gone are the fussy detailing and clutter that are associated with English garden style. Jill Billington brings us clean, innovative gardens that are made for living in.
This is a useful and inspirational book - both in terms of the authoritative and easily understandable text and the visual feast of photographs. The book takes a disciplined approach and is divided into two main sections- 'elements' and 'interpretation'.
'Elements' contains a wealth of information, advice and pictorial guidance dealing with the materials for the hard and soft elements of the garden. Newly available and new introductions to garden landscaping are included here with industrial materials, resin bonding and the like being given space as well as the more traditional and conventional materials. Plent of examples are illustrated to give the reader an idea of the look and feel of various materials and disadvantages are not glossed over.
'Features' draws us into the need for focal points, furniture, lighting and plants. Summerhouses are clean and uncluttered, furniture inventive and elegant. Lighting is shown to be a key element of design as gardens are used more and more into the evening hours. Powerful effects are shown when trees and features are lit.
We all use a wider range of plants today than ever before, Jill Billington walks us through a range of classic plants (such as box as well as recent introductions and trends towards more architectural plants, demonstrating that formal effects can be achieved with a contemporary look. The importance of trees in the landscape is reinforced in a chapter that covers practical matters, decorative value and importance of form. Creative ways of using the smaller plant material follows - perennials, annuals and bulbs are assessed for texture, colour and form and the way they interact with the hardscaping.
'Interpretation', the second section, takes us through the impact and atmosphere resulting from the use of a particular layout. Traditional style is re-interpreted in a more contemporary way, slimming down and stripping the fuss from summerhouses and planting schemes alike. The materials used for pergolas and arches, for example, are shown in a more modern idiom bringing a inventive mind to bear on long accepted elements and style.
Minimalist gardens are given space, with lots of photographs to tempt us into a more dramatic and simple style of gardening. The idea of minimally formal gardens is explored, which Jill Billington advocates as an ideal solution for those with busy lives seeking a respite from the hectic pace of the world outside the garden boundary. From starkly modern gardens of rendered concrete, gravel and water, to those employing more time-honoured elements such as topiary and lawns Billington's essay must lead many to reassess their style preferences.
The last section deals with the quick fixes possible, and necessary for a world of gardeners facing a jammed schedule. These ideas help us to transform our gardens now, rather than taking years. The idea of a permanent framework, with more transient plantings giving life and bringing change is explored, an idea many of will be tempted to follow.
The gardens shown are mainly the work of professional designers (with full credits given), but some talented 'amateurs' feature as well. And they encompass gardens from around the globe, real gardens designed to last, not just showpieces.
Do find New Classic Gardens, you'll refer to it again and again.
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