Book excerpt: Reveals the history and development of garden and landscape design in the 20th century by focussing on the key personalities who have shaped - and continue to form - today's taste in gardens. The 20th century was an important period when garden designers began to apply the same design principles to the smaller private garden or to public spaces as had previously been applied to country houses. From early stars such as Gertrude Jekyll, Russell Page, and Thomas Church to pivotal contemporary designers such as Jacques Wirtz, Kathryn Gustafson, Beth Chatto, and Peter Walker, this overview puts the complete spectrum of garden designers into perspective. The 56 garden and landscape designers whose work is featured in depth are organized by their prime focus - colour and decoration, plants, concept, form, structure, texture, or materials. The book is also full of anecdotes and quotes that provide a unique insight into each designer's work