Dr. Noel Kingsbury is best known as a writer and lecturer, promoting an ecological or naturalistic approach to planting design. He has written some 25 books on various aspects of plants and gardens, four in collaboration with the acclaimed Dutch designer/plantsman, Piet Oudolf. He contributes regularly to Gardens Illustrated and The Garden, and has a bimonthly op-ed in Pro-Landscaper, and co-runs education provider Garden Masterclass. He also works as a design consultant for landscape companies, local government and private garden owners. Key to Noel's approach to planting is research and its dissemination through journalism, books and workshops. At the heart of this is his work on the long-term performance of plants in gardens and designed landscapes; a PhD at the University of Sheffield has been the start of a continual process of investigation into the plants used by gardeners and designers. He now lives and gardens in central Portugal.