Inspirational Garden Designers: Three pioneers

Garden Design Pioneers: How John Brookes, Gertrude Jekyll, and Piet Oudolf Shaped Modern Planting Design

Garden design has evolved dramatically over the years, thanks to these inspirational pioneers who reshaped the way we think about outdoor spaces. Three key figures—John Brookes, Gertrude Jekyll, and Piet Oudolf—have left an indelible mark on planting and garden design . Their work has influenced countless garden designers, including myself, where I bring both classic and contemporary influences into my work.

Having attended a John Brookes Masterclass, I gained a deep appreciation for structured, practical garden design, which has become the blueprint for my own projects. Alongside his teachings, I also draw inspiration from modern designers like Sarah Price and Luciano Giubbilei, who push the boundaries of contemporary landscape aesthetics.

In this blog, we’ll explore the planting styles, design approaches, and legacies of these garden greats.

Gertrude Jekyll: The Master of Colour and Soft Planting Design

If you love cottage gardens and beautifully curated planting palettes, you have Gertrude Jekyll (1843–1932) to thank. A true artist, she revolutionized planting design with her painterly approach to gardens, inspired by Impressionist art.

Jekyll’s Signature Style:

Drifts of Colour: She used large, sweeping drifts of plants rather than dotting individual specimens around, creating a more natural and immersive look.
Soft Transitions: Jekyll mastered the blending of colours, using complementary and harmonious tones to create visual interest across the seasons.
Structurally Loose, Yet Intentional: Unlike formal Victorian gardens, her style embraced a softer, naturalistic look, which still had a clear underlying structure.

Jekyll’s Influence Today:

Her legacy can still be seen in gardens that favour layered planting schemes, pollinator-friendly borders, and a thoughtful approach to colour. For those with urban gardens, Jekyll’s method of using varied heights and textures can be applied to small spaces to create depth and movement.

John Brookes: The Architect of Modern Garden Design

John Brookes (1933–2018) changed the game by treating gardens as an extension of the home. His practical, modern approach gave people a new way to think about their outdoor spaces—not just as decorative features but as functional, livable areas.

Brookes’ Signature Style:

Gardens as “Outdoor Rooms”: He introduced the concept of dividing gardens into zones for dining, relaxing, and planting—an idea that is still used today.
Strong Geometry: Brookes used grids and geometric shapes to structure the garden before introducing planting, ensuring that each element served a purpose.
Every Garden is for the Owner: He believed that a garden should reflect the needs and lifestyle of the person using it, not just follow trends.

My Experience with John Brookes

Attending a John Brookes Masterclass at Denmans Garden was a defining moment in my career. His method of starting with practicality and layout before considering plants has become the foundation of my own garden designs. Whether I’m working on a modern urban space in Brighton or a larger garden in rural Sussex, I always apply his principles to create harmonious, well-balanced outdoor spaces.

Piet Oudolf: The King of Naturalistic Planting

When we think of modern meadow-style planting, one name comes to mind: Piet Oudolf. His influence on wild, textural planting has changed how we approach plant selection and garden design.

Oudolf’s Signature Style:

Perennial Planting: Instead of relying on seasonal bedding plants, Oudolf prioritizes long-lasting perennials with strong structural interest.
Naturalistic, But Not Random: His gardens feel wild, but they are carefully curated to create movement and balance.
Year-Round Interest: He focuses on seed heads, stems, and fading blooms, ensuring gardens look stunning even in winter.

Why Oudolf’s Approach is Ideal for Urban Gardens

For small gardens, Oudolf’s emphasis on multi-seasonal planting ensures you get long-lasting beauty with minimal maintenance. Incorporating structural grasses like Miscanthus and wildflowers like Echinacea can transform even a compact space into a thriving sanctuary.

Contemporary Garden Designers Who Inspire Me

While I deeply respect the pioneers of garden design, I also look to contemporary designers who are redefining modern landscapes.These are a couple of my favourites!

Sarah Price: Known for her painterly approach to planting, she blends wild and structured elements in a way that feels fresh and organic.
Luciano Giubbilei: A master of minimalist, elegant design, Giubbilei’s gardens are sophisticated yet calming, showing how clean lines and texture can work in harmony.

These influences help shape my work at PurelyPlanting, where I blend classic principles with modern creativity to craft timeless yet contemporary gardens.

How PurelyPlanting Can Help Design Your Perfect Garden

At PurelyPlanting, I use a combination of practical garden design, structured layout, and rich planting schemes to create gardens that feel personal and immersive.

Need a structured, contemporary outdoor space? I apply John Brookes’ principles of geometry and functionality to make sure your garden isn’t just beautiful but also livable.
Want a soft, romantic garden? I draw inspiration from Gertrude Jekyll to layer plants in ways that create year-round colour and movement.
Looking for a wild, naturalistic garden? I can bring in elements of Piet Oudolf’s style, using grasses, perennials, and pollinator-friendly plants.

Whether you’re in Brighton, Sussex, or beyond, I can help you create a garden that reflects your vision, lifestyle, and love of nature.

Final Thoughts

Garden design is a constantly evolving art, shaped by the past and inspired by the future. Thanks to pioneers like Jekyll, Brookes, and Oudolf, we now have a vast landscape of possibilities to explore.

At PurelyPlanting, I bring together the best of these influences to create stunning, functional, and timeless gardens for my clients. If you’re in Brighton, Sussex, or beyond, and need expert guidance on transforming your outdoor space, get in touch today!

📧 Contact: owen.purelyplanting@gmail.com
🌍 Website: www.purelyplanting.co.uk

Let’s create something extraordinary together!