The last quarter of the twentieth century witnessed a burgeoning of interest in ecological or naturally-inspired use of vegetation in the designed landscape. More recently, a strong aesthetic element has been added to what was formerly a movement aimed at creating nature-like landscapes.

This book advances an innovative fusion of scientific and ecological planting design philosophies which can address the need for more sustainable designed landscapes. It is a major statement on the design, implementation and management of ecologically-inspired landscape vegetation. With contributions from experts at the forefront of development in this area across Europe and North America, this work gives the reader a valuable synthesis of current thinking.

'This is a much-needed book containing vast amounts of useful information ... It should help all those involved in the design and management of public landscapes to take the plunge into naturalistic planting.' - Isabelle van Groeningen, Garden Design Journal March 2005 'Its clear and easy-to-read text will be of value to all working in amenity horticulture and the design and management of public greenspace. It is a textbook for social horticulture, but of real interest to everyone who has an interest in plants. I can think of very few IoH members who would not be delighted to own this book.'- Peter Thoday, The Horticulturist 'Buy it for its excellent text and celebrate the fact that the contributors are such articulate horticulturists, capable of presenting so clearly an increasingly important aspect of the use of plants in public open space.'- Peter Thoday, The Horticulturist