‘ A future classic…’ Gardening Book of the Year, Garden Media Guild Awards 2024

‘One of the year’s most engrossing, thought-provoking books’ The English Garden

A reflective book by Jinny Blom (author of The Thoughtful Garden), one of the world’s leading garden designers.

What Makes a Garden builds upon the work of The Thoughtful Garden, giving a broader idea of how Jinny thinks about garden design. In particular it emphasizes her multi-disciplinary approach, which embraces architecture, conservation and art, coupled with a strong holistic thread.

This fascinating and insightful book looks at how a garden should please all five senses; how it is an alchemical mix of the inanimate and the living; and also how it has to accommodate both the effects of time and the influences of culture.

This is not intended as a book of rules but rather a way of thinking about garden design and making sure it responds to the particularities of place, the culture and the demands of the client. Drawing on her work and experience over the last 20 years or so, the book gets to the heart of what people want and need from a garden and what makes it different from a natural landscape.

Reflecting Jinny’s highly individual approach to garden design, the book is filled with warmth and character alongside her expert knowledge. With a broad appeal, this beautiful book is for all garden lovers: thoughtful yet practical and informative, it marries artistry with functionality.