health
Nigel Dunnett obituary
Landscape designer whose naturalistic schemes transformed public spaces and community gardens
TL;DR
- Nigel Dunnett, a landscape designer, horticulturist, and educator, died at 63 from cancer.
- His work focused on creating visually dramatic, ecologically rich, and uplifting urban landscapes through naturalistic planting.
- Dunnett pioneered ecological and sustainable approaches, viewing planting as a dynamic part of urban life.
- Notable projects include the Superbloom at the Tower of London, planting for the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, and a community garden on the Old Kent Road.
- He advocated for biodiversity and resilience in public spaces, blending horticultural depth with ecological purpose.
- Dunnett also contributed to significant projects like the Queen Elizabeth memorial in St James's Park and the Sheffield Grey to Green project.
- He was a professor of planting design and urban horticulture at the University of Sheffield and authored influential books on naturalistic planting.
- Dunnett was recognized with honors such as an honorary fellowship of the Landscape Institute and a Royal Designer for Industry award.
- He was known for his public engagement through broadcasting, including appearances on BBC's Gardeners' World.