Disobedient gardens

Landscape designer Michael Cooke presents five of his superbly designed gardens, including his own, which are illustrated by the lyrically beautiful photographs of coauthor Brigid Arnott. The selected gardens encapsulate the characteristics he considers vital in the making of a truly beautiful, liveable garden. They have a distinct 'voice' of their own, reflecting not only the personality and style of the owners, but also the longstanding relationship and emotional connection between the owners and Michael, who has maintained and developed the gardens over many years. Significantly, they all feature elements of wildness combined with a degree of order. These characteristics lend the gardens great character, texture and 'warmth'-the landscapes may be magnificent, but they all have an organic quality, imperfections, a degree of 'disobedience' that makes them even more fascinating.