Nigel Dunnett

We are truly saddened to hear of the passing of Nigel Dunnett. Our thoughts are with Nigel’s family at this difficult time.

Nigel’s influence on modern planting design has been huge. As Professor at the University of Sheffield he changed the way we look at naturalistic planting but he also contributed to contemporary movements in design in other ways. He saw that explaining his research and work through actual projects was the best way to influence how we consider planting in the future.

LCGD Director of Environmental Design Andrew Fisher Tomlin said ‘I’ve known Nigel since we met working on the London Olympics in 2008 where we all got to experiment with planting ideas. We all enjoyed our time there and when I suggested he might come to talk on the new planting design diploma I was writing for LCGD he jumped at the chance to influence garden designers and landscape professionals in the way that naturalistic planting could be taught at a moment where no one else was really discussing different approaches to planting design. He was always supportive of our training  at LCGD and provided me with personal insights that supported both the course and my own work’

Nina Baxter, LCGD director and course leader said ‘Nigel was teaching our students only last week, engaging them with techniques for naturalistic planting and inspiring fresh thought. He will be very much missed by everyone at LCGD.’