RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Design by Chris Young - Non Fiction - Paperback

Title:
RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Design: Planning, Building and Planting Your Perfect Outdoor Space

Format: Paperback

Overview:
RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Design offers authoritative guidance for planning, building and planting outdoor spaces. Authored by Chris Young with input from the Royal Horticultural Society, it translates design theory into practical steps readers can apply to any garden. The book helps you assess a site, understand scale and proportion, and blend hard landscaping with living elements, while considering climate, soil, drainage, sun and shade. You’ll learn how these factors influence plant choices and layout so you can create a space that fits your conditions and lifestyle. The tone is expert yet approachable, making complex ideas accessible to beginners while offering ideas that experienced gardeners will return to again. With RHS expertise behind it, the encyclopedia functions as a reliable design companion for inspiration, problem-solving, and planning. This paperback edition is designed for everyday use in the study, shed, or on-site planning sessions, offering durable reference for anyone reimagining a residential garden or small urban plot. A valuable resource for homeowners and garden lovers seeking a cohesive outdoor space with style and practicality.

What You’ll Discover Inside:
Inside this design reference, you’ll find a clear framework for turning ideas into a finished garden. The book walks you through site analysis, concept development, layout planning, and the integration of planting with hardscape elements. You’ll encounter practical guidance on selecting materials, creating focal points, and developing planting schemes that reflect color, style, and seasonal interest. The content blends theory with actionable steps, helping you translate your goals into a workable plan that suits your climate, soil, and microclimates. The RHS perspective ensures reliable advice on maintenance, sustainability, and long-term garden health, so your outdoor space remains inviting year after year. Whether redesigning a compact courtyard or a family garden, this encyclopedia supports confident decision-making and a cohesive design narrative from first sketch to final planting plan.

Who It’s For:
This book is ideal for homeowners planning a new garden, aspiring garden designers, and students of horticulture seeking a trusted reference on design principles. It also serves DIY enthusiasts, landscape aficionados, and garden club members who want practical, easy-to-follow guidance without sacrificing depth. Whether you’re looking to refresh a small urban plot, create a child-friendly green space, or develop a sustainable planting strategy, this paperback edition provides a clear roadmap and inspiration for readers at all levels. Gift buyers will find it a thoughtful, enduring present for garden lovers and aspiring designers alike.

Key Highlights:

• Authoritative RHS guidance on garden design and planting
• Practical, step-by-step planning framework for real-world projects
• A broad range of garden styles and climates covered
• Clear guidance on coordinating hard landscaping with planting
• Focus on sustainable, low-maintenance design principles
• Approachable for beginners while valuable to more experienced gardeners
• Compact paperback edition, ideal for on-site reference

About the Author:
Chris Young is a respected garden designer and author whose work often partnerships with the Royal Horticultural Society to share practical, down-to-earth guidance for gardeners. In this encyclopedia, his design philosophy centers on making outdoor spaces both beautiful and functional, translating theory into steps that readers can implement in real-life settings. The collaboration with the RHS adds decades of horticultural expertise to the book’s authority, providing readers with reliable advice on plant selection, layout, and long-term garden health. Young’s clear, accessible writing helps demystify design concepts, making this reference a valuable tool for novices and seasoned gardeners alike. His contribution to garden design literature is marked by a practical focus, encouraging readers to experiment, observe, and refine their spaces with confidence.

Why You’ll Love This Book:
If you’re dreaming of a garden that reflects your taste and thrives in your climate, this book is the perfect guide. It offers a trusted, comprehensive design framework that you can apply to any plot, big or small. Owning the RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Design means having a complete reference for planning, building, and planting decisions at your fingertips, year after year. The combination of Chris Young’s approachable guidance and RHS authority makes it a reliable addition to any gardener’s library, a strong value for home improvement projects, and a thoughtful gift for garden enthusiasts looking to elevate their outdoor spaces.

Please Note: The individual books included in this listing will be dispatched as per the original UK ISBN and UK edition cover image shown in the image.