Opulent chapters celebrate vision

AUTHOR: William Dangar PUBLISHER: Murdoch Books RRP: $59.99 hardcover REVIEWER: Mary Ann Ellliott

ONE of Australia’s pre-eminent garden designers, William Dangar and his team have designed and built about 1000 gardens (of which 21 have made it into this book) over the past 25 years.

From starting out mowing lawns in his early 20s, Will is today Sydney’s premier landscape designer.

His beautiful book celebrates his unique approach to his clients’ diverse gardens.

Twenty opulent chapters showcase Will’s skill and the grand sweep of his vision, while also exploring the constructs at “grass roots” level.

Will has delivered his many beautiful projects working with a respected team of horticulturists, stonemasons, architects, interior designers, photographers and others in his creative team; not least of which is his amazing photographer Prue Ruscoe.

In his book he pays tribute to all of his collaborators.

By his own admission, garden design is something that is learned and crafted over time, Will is lucky enough to be able to visualise the potential of every site and clearly see where the opportunity lies.

He has also diversified into building commercial and residential projects, including his own house and garden which are featured here first.

Examples of contained formality, open plan, sculpted landscapes, walled and heritage gardens, have been stepping-stones to his next project, enabling his career to get to its present point.

You will revel in the many inspirational full-plate photographs alongside Will’s informative notes on the evolution of each garden.