V&A Dundee is capitalising on the universal love of nature with the opening of a UK exclusive exhibition charting the evolution of garden designs from working larders to serene sanctuaries.
Garden Futures: Designing with Nature gathers over 400 objects, designs and artworks from William Morris to the latest videogames for a colour and scent infused celebration of gardens, from the smallest window box to large country estates.
Among the case studies gathered in Dundee is the Oban Seaweed Garden as well as the naturalistic planting style of Piet Oudolf at Maggie’s Dundee. Other projects covered include the Maxwell Community Garden in Dundee, Ian Hamilton Finlay’s Little Sparta and Eden Project Scotland.
Leonie Bell, director of V&A Dundee, said: “Gardens are both everyday and extraordinary – they mean something different to everyone. These designed spaces reflect the times we live in and express our relationship with nature. Some are productive spaces for work, rest and play, while others represent profound spiritual, cultural and political ideas.
Grant Anderson
“This vibrant exhibition blooms with design stories of gardens from Scotland and around the world, unearthing different approaches to creating the ‘perfect’ garden. Garden Futures looks back to early earthly ideas of paradise and considers how gardening can cultivate a greener, fairer and more joyful future for humans and nature alike.”
The exhibition, developed with Vitra Design Museum, the Wüstenrot Foundation, and the Nieuwe Instituut, will run through to 25 January 2026.
