Modern Modernism blended urban, public places and new housing estates with the older, more naturalistic form of gardening. Gardening became the nation's most popular pursuit.

In this article

Timeline Modern style of gardening

Modern characters Modern themes

1948
Hidcote Manor is the first place to be taken on by the National Trust on the merits of its garden alone.

1955
Landscape gardener Thomas Church publishes Gardens are for People. The American landscape designer pioneered a 'Californian style', which included the use of raised beds and decking. His style was to have an enormous influence in Britain.

1959
The National Association of Flower Arrangers' Societies (NAFAS) is founded. Today NAFAS boasts more than 10,000 members, making it one of the most popular specialised associations in the UK.

1962
The designer Russell Page writes Education of a Gardener, a hugely influential book which is still considered to be an authority on garden design.

1963
Karl Dahlman produces the first hover mower. It was made of plastic, making it light and easy to use.

1965
The Garden History Society is founded.

1968
The first Gardeners' World programme is broadcast.

1969
The designer John Brooks starts a fashion for using small urban gardens for entertaining.

1974
Fisons invents the first growing bag. This bag enabled people living in tower blocks who had a balcony to grow fresh produce.

1975
The Landscape of Man by Geoffrey Jellicoe is published.

1977
The Museum of Garden History opens in Lambeth Palace Road, London.

1978
The RHS forms the National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens. The NCCPG aims to conserve, document, promote and make available Britain's great biodiversity of garden plants for the benefit of horticulture, education and science.

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