The world is not enough to hold the impact you’ve had on so many of us. Thank you for everything.

I was shocked and heartbroken to learn of the passing of my PhD supervisor, Professor Nigel Dunnett. I feel that the world has lost yet another guiding light—someone who devoted his life to making the world more beautiful.

In my eyes, Nigel was an introverted and quiet person, not always someone who expressed himself readily through words. Yet perhaps precisely because of this, he poured the deepest warmth of his heart, his sharpest ecological insights, and his abundant intellectual gifts almost entirely into the field of ecological planting design that he helped to pioneer, and into those enduring works that continue to move us so profoundly. At this moment, with a heavy heart, I find it difficult to imagine how many wildflower wonders the world has now lost the chance to see bloom, following his departure.

My wife comforted me by saying that Nigel lived an extraordinary life—one that blossomed with rare brilliance—and that he was spared the prolonged suffering that ageing can sometimes bring. Amid the sorrow, I find some consolation in knowing that Nigel’s works and ideas have left a clear and lasting imprint on those of us who were his students. They have also been written, page by page, into my teaching slides, and will continue to influence generation after generation of landscape architecture students. As long as these ideas continue to be spoken of in classrooms, practised in design, and awakened again in meadow after meadow of wildflowers, it will feel as though Nigel has never truly left us.

R.I.P.

In memory of my dear supervisor,

from your PhD student,

Jia Yuan

Associate Professor, Department of Landscape Architecture

Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Chongqing University

Professor Nigel Dunnett, he was my tutor during my time in Sheffield, guiding me through my graduation project and thesis. His thoughtful mentorship, along with his generosity in sharing knowledge and experience, had a profound impact and greatly inspired me.

He was a pioneer in naturalistic planting which I admire. More than an accomplished scholar, he was a truly respected mentor. Through his writings, teaching, and built works, he passed on his knowledge and vision to us. His passion and spirit will continue to live on in those he has taught and inspired.

Thank you and farewell professor Nigel.

自從得知Nigel教授離世的消息已過了幾天，現在內心仍充滿震驚與悲痛。

Nigel教授曾是我在雪菲爾求學期間，指導我畢業設計與論文的重要導師。他細心而耐心的指導，以及慷慨分享的知識與經驗，為我帶來深遠的啟發與幫助。

他不僅是傑出的學者，也是令人敬重的導師。透過著作、教學與實踐，將寶貴的理念與經驗傳承給我們。而他的熱忱與精神，也將在我們心中持續延續。

Nigel was consistently meticulous and generous with his knowledge. Looking back at photos from the field trips he led across the UK, I realise how formative those experiences were, even if I didn't fully grasp his logic at the time. I worked in the UK for eight years before relocating to Shanghai, and it was during this professional journey that I finally had those "Aha!" moments. His lectures finally took on a new resonance, and I began to appreciate the true value of ecological design—a path I’m still exploring.

Beyond his books and portfolio, Nigel’s true legacy also lies in the practical insights he shared on social media, where many of us stayed connected to his work. This body of knowledge is a treasure trove that will continue to influence and guide the next generation of designers for years to come. Thank you.