Gardening in a Changing World - by Darryl Moore

About the Book

Rethinking our relationship with plants in the light of the climate crisis and biodiversity loss; and an exploration of the science behind sustainable ways of engaging with the natural world.

Book Synopsis

Our planet, the Earth, is under threat, with potentially catastrophic consequences for ourselves and the other lifeforms it sustains.

Yet Nature itself can still rescue us - with plants playing a pivotal role, in the countryside - and everywhere. In gardens and parks, plants are the mainstay of our relationship with the natural world, and we celebrate them for the pleasures they bring. However, that can be part of the problem: too often we value plants for their aesthetic qualities rather than the vital role they play in the ecology of the Earth.

In this challenging and important book, Darryl Moore explores how gardens can be better for human beings and for all the other lifeforms that inhabit them. Recent developments in horticulture and plant science show us that we need to rethink our attitude to plants beyond purely aesthetic concerns, and to adopt more holistic approaches to how we design, inhabit and enjoy our gardens. He looks at the history of garden design, to show how we got to where we are today, and recommends ways of changing to new principles of sustainable ecological horticulture.

Review Quotes

"The most illuminating book on this very important subject." --Cleve West, multi-award-winning garden designer and author of The Garden of Vegan

"The depth of research and knowledge that is brought together here is quite astounding, and there is no let-up from start to finish in the skill with which this often complex information is communicated." --Nigel Dunnett, Olympic Park planting designer, author, Naturalistic Planting Design

"This book not only acknowledges some of our greatest plantspeople, but ensures that we must always remember plants are front and centre stage on Earth . . . always!" --Arit Anderson, garden designer and tv presenter

"Daryl Moore has been revolutionizing how we grow in cities for the past decade and picked up a medal for his city-friendly design at RHS Chelsea in 2022. Here he galvanizes readers to make meaningful change - whether in their gardens or beyond." --The Sunday Times (London)

"Sets a new high-water mark in our individual and collective understanding and appreciation of the art and science of ecological planting design." --The New Perennialist

"If there were a prize for most timely publication of the year, this would be a contender...This must read book is expertly divided into neat, digestible sections that are jam-packed with fascinating and vital information." --Gardens Illustrated

"It covers many complex topics, but it does so in short, digestible chapters and a lucid style...it will alter the way you garden." --Garden Design Journal

"The book forms a new intellectualism towards the use of plants. Moore's book cites more than 300 sources showing how recent developments in horticulture and plant science show how gardens can be better for both humans and other lifeforms." --Horticulture Week

"Hugely informative" --Amateur Gardening

"Turns our enjoyment of plants on its head, showing how their vital importance to the future of the planet is even more beautiful than their aesthetic appeal." --Evening Standard (London)

About the Author

Darryl Moore FRSA is an award-winning garden and landscape designer and writer focusing on contemporary garden and landscape design and planting. He is Director and co-founder of the innovative urban landscape organization Cityscapes, realizing creative approaches to greening city spaces through novel design ideas that ensure ecological, economic and social sustainability.