The Wild Garden

by William Robinson

Overview

Originally published in 1870, The Wild Garden was a sensation, up-ending the conventions of Victorian garden-making, sweeping away formal ideas and artifice, and replacing it with a naturalistic approach, favouring native plants. 

William Robinson’s book effectively introduced the idea of the cottage garden and the herbaceous border. Practical, beautiful and occasionally argumentative, The Wild Garden includes chapters on wild roses, bog gardens and ‘Wild Gardening on Walls, Rocks, or Ruins.’ Truly ahead of its time, The Wild Garden changed gardening for ever and remains a key work. Our new edition, the most recent addition to the Nature Classics series, has an introduction by the writer, journalist and gardener Alice Vincent.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781915068484
Publisher:	Global Book Sales
Publication date:	06/18/2026
Pages:	194
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

William Robinson (1838-1945) was an Irish gardener, writer and journalist. His writing influenced a generation of gardeners and he became a friend and collaborator with Gertrude Jekyll. In 1884 he purchased the Elizabethan house Gravetye Manor, where he worked to transform its gardens.

Alice Vincent is a writer, journalist and gardener. Her books include Rootbound, Why Women Grow and Hark.

Cover by Cedric Morris (1889-1982).

Editorial Reviews

"One of the classics of gardening…he’s worth listening to today, and noting."—The Daily Telegraph

"‘…the boldest attack on unnatural art."—Robin Lane Fox

From the Publisher

"This new edition (ISBN 9780881929553)is two books in one, and a handsome volume at that. Henry Mitchell said it all when he claimed gardeners owe all to William Robinson. We do, and this book is the perfect way to appreciate that statement."

Gardens Illustrated

[This book] will truly inspire you. Originally published in 1870, [it] remained in print for more than 50 years with a message that is just as revolutionary today.”

Wenatchee World

"This new, expanded edition (ISBN 9780881929553)… is essential reading for today's ecologically minded gardens."

Landscape Architecture

Rick Darke could well be Robinson’s reincarnation.”
(ISBN 9780881929553)

Ottowa Citizen

"If there was but one book on our garden library shelf, William Robinson's The Wild Garden would be the single tome, at once revolutionary and oozing charm… with photographer and writer Rick Darke's added chapters and insight, we understand more than ever the wisdom and urgency of Robinson's garden gospel."

Chicago Tribune