Gardening has been a cherished hobby for many individuals, and the 20th century saw the emergence of many talented garden designers who revolutionized the field. These designers brought with them a unique set of styles and techniques, which have inspired many garden enthusiasts over the years. In this blog, we will discuss the styles of some of the famous garden designers of the 20th century.

Gertrude Jekyll

Gertrude Jekyll was an influential British garden designer, who is known for her creative use of color in her designs. She believed in creating gardens that harmonized with their surroundings and believed that a garden should be a reflection of the natural landscape. Her gardens were characterized by a blend of formal and informal planting styles, with a focus on creating a sense of unity between different garden elements.

Gertrude Jekyll’s Garden at Lindisfarne photo by Peter Barr

Beatrix Farrand

Beatrix Farrand was an American landscape architect and garden designer, who was known for her work on public parks and gardens. Her style was characterized by a focus on structure and organization, and she believed in creating gardens that were functional and practical. Farrand’s designs often featured intricate paths, garden rooms, and water features, which created a sense of balance and order in the garden.

A fountain in the Dumbarton Oaks gardens in Washington, D.C.

Roberto Burle Marx

Roberto Burle Marx was a Brazilian landscape architect, who is known for his use of tropical plants and bold, geometric forms in his designs. His style was characterized by a focus on color and texture, and he believed in creating gardens that were both beautiful and ecologically sustainable. Marx’s designs often featured large areas of green space, with carefully selected focal points that drew the eye and created a sense of drama.

Photo by Oscar liberal 

Lawrence Johnston

Lawrence Johnston was a British garden designer, who is known for his work on the famous Hidcote Manor Garden in Gloucestershire. Johnston’s style was characterized by a focus on creating garden “rooms” with distinct themes and planting styles. His designs often featured strong, structural elements, such as walls, hedges, and topiary, which created a sense of enclosure and intimacy in the garden.

Russell Page

Russell Page was a British garden designer, who is known for his elegant and sophisticated designs. His style was characterized by a focus on form and symmetry, and he believed in creating gardens that were both beautiful and functional. Page’s designs often featured geometric shapes and crisp lines, with a balance between hard landscaping elements and soft planting.

In conclusion, the 20th century was a time of great innovation in garden design, and these five designers are just a few examples of the many talented individuals who contributed to the field. Each designer had their unique style and approach, which has inspired garden enthusiasts around the world. Whether you prefer a wild, naturalistic garden or a formal, structured design, there is something to learn from each of these famous garden designers.