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Honestly, I stopped reading gardening books years ago, switching to skimming when I needed to. But the new book Garden to the Max by writer Teresa Woodard and photographer Robert Stefko about “joyful, visionary, maximalist” design changed that – I devoured every word and examined every photo and in the end, wanted more!  It also left me inspired to add more joyful and colorful touches to my home garden.

What IS maximalist garden design?

The author fancies the term “More is more” and calls maximalism “the opposite of minimalism’s neutral colors, tidy spaces and restrained accessories.” Maximalism “embraces strong colors, textures and layers to create a space packed with personality and joy.” Yes, I want more of that!

She explains that “We were drawn to the craziest projects with the biggest personalities, bravest ideas and most unusual plant collection” and that the gardens they chose may recruit “more creatives and makers to take up the trowel.” I wouldn’t doubt it.

20 Maximalist Gardens

The maximalist gardens featured are an eclectic mix of regions and especially of personal styles, illustrating how essential personal expression is to their success. I have permission to tempt readers with screen shots of some of them, and I’ll start with a garden I’ve spent some time in – the Buffalo garden of Jim Charlier. He’s an old friend of the Rant and designer of our current logo.

As a townhouse gardener myself, I’m particularly interested in what other city gardeners can accomplish in tiny spaces –  like this 860 square feet pollinator garden in South Los Angeles. No lawn in sight!

Or this back garden in San Francisco, California.

But I’m also inspired by grand gardens on the other end of the size/price spectrum, like this one in Port Washington, New York.

And this back-yard pond in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Writing in late winter, I try not to be TOO jealous of this tropical paradise in Lake Worth Beach, Florida. Instead, I’ll study and then copy my favorite elements (minus the dog).

Not all maximalist design includes dramatic color, though. This moss garden in Waukesha, Wisconsin was created by a retired economics professor.

This garden is too chaotic for me, but I appreciate the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania gardener’s passion for plants.

Who are the Maximalists?

It isn’t JUST Stefko’s fabulous garden photos that thrilled me; his portraits of the gardeners are so fun and enticing! Above are garden writers Jim Charlier, Lauren Springer Ogden (in Colorado) and Irvin Etienne (in Indiana).  Hey Jim, what is that stick you’re holding?

More “Meet the Maximalist” portraits, all of very interesting people, including the Pennsylvania water gardener being doused with water. What a good sport!

Does loving this book make me a maximalist?

Honestly I’m getting bored with the very on-trend gardens with their muted, naturalistic palettes and low-maintenance designs that we’re seeing promoted everywhere.  Sure, they can be beautiful but where’s the excitement? I prefer home gardens that show the gardener’s passions, and that require some damn maintenance, a/k/a gardening!

Indoors, my lively wall colors keep me happy but I have to keep doodads to a minimum.  Got cats, ya know.

Maximalism in my Neighborhood

On my walks around the neighborhood I’m repeatedly drawn to this tiny front-yard garden, created by friends who are even better known for their brilliant costumes, tailored to whatever festival or holiday we may be celebrating.

Does loving “Garden to the Max” book make me a maximalist? originally appeared on GardenRant on March 16, 2025.

The post Does loving “Garden to the Max” book make me a maximalist? appeared first on GardenRant.

* This article was originally published here

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