concentric green circles with the title in black text.

The Contemporary Garden

Celebrate the beauty and creativity of the world’s greatest contemporary gardens through this stunning survey highlighting the leading designers of today. Published in 2025 by Phaidon.com

Overview

Spanning the late 20th century to the present, The Contemporary Garden showcases 300 stunning gardens, from roof gardens to wildflower meadows, each celebrated with a large-format image and an insightful description that will deepen the reader s understanding of the creator s work.

Organized alphabetically by designer, this stunning book celebrates the visual beauty and creativity of gardens in the 21st century and demonstrates how our evolving stylistic and horticultural aesthetic fosters an increasingly strong connection with the natural world. Curated in collaboration with an international team of horticultural experts, this wide-ranging collection includes established and lesser-known designers, capturing the global rise of garden design and offering a rich source of inspiration.

 

Australian projects/designers
VIC: Paul Bangay’s The Garden at Stonefields, Barwitian Garden from Ralph Bristow, Fiona Brockhoff’s Karkalla, Woodleigh School Senior Campus, Rick Eckersley’s Musk Cottage, Chelsea Australian Garden at Olinda, Jane Jones’ garden in Portsea, Guilfoyle’s Volcano Melbourne Gardens, Michael McCoy’s Stone Hill, Sand Garden from Catherine Rush, Michael Wright and Thomas Gooch, Sunnymeade by Peter Shaw, The Australian Garden at Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne,
 
NSW: Dangar Barin Smith’s Circular Vision, Walama/Ballast Point Park, Nevell Garden from Claudia Nevell, Bracken at Malua Bay
 
QLD: Banksia House by Kirsti Sheldon
 
TAS: Sally Johannsohn’s garden
 
WA: Bill and Di Mitchell’s Fire and Beauty
 
NT: Alice Springs Desert Park
 
ACT: Garden of Australian Dreams
 
SA: Yalamurra by Kurt Wilkinson
 
NZ projects/designers
Peter and Andrea Forrest’s Moritaki (Malborough), Te Henui Cemetery Garden (Taranaki), Welton House (Blenheim), Fisherman’s Bay Garden (Akaroa), Jo Wakelin’s garden (Cromwell), Mamaku (Auckland)