W. (William) Robinson
The Wild Garden
Or Our Groves and Gardens Made Beautiful by the Naturalisation of Hardy Exotic Plants; Being One Way Onwards from the Dark Ages
"The Wild Garden" by W. Robinson is a gardening guide written in the late 19th century. The work advocates for the naturalisation of hardy exotic plants to improve the beauty of gardens, especially in areas previously dominated by less appealing plant arrangements. Robinson proposes a novel approach to gardening that emphasizes the combination of native and exotic plants in a more organic, aesthetically pleasing, and low-maintenance design. The opening of the book establishes the author's mission to combat the prevailing gardening trends of his time, specifically the extensive use of showy tropical plants that require constant upkeep and lack the ethereal charm of hardy flowers. Robinson introduces the concept of the "wild garden," describing how these hardy species can flourish in semi-wild environments and enhance the overall beauty of the landscape. He critiques the traditional rigid gardening methods, arguing that a more relaxed approach allows for richer diversity, creating vibrant and harmonious plant communities that require less intervention. Throughout this initial section, Robinson's passion for plants and natural gardening shines through, setting the stage for his detailed exploration of suitable species and practical gardening techniques.