The concept of the "garden city" was largely the invention of Ebenezer Howard, a British urban planner who lived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Howard's vision was to create planned communities that combined the benefits of the city and the countryside, aiming to improve social conditions while preserving green spaces.

In 1898, Howard published his seminal work, "To-morrow: A Peaceful Path to Real Reform," which later (in its revised 1902 edition) became known as "Garden Cities of To-morrow." In this book, he outlined his ideas for creating self-contained communities surrounded by "greenbelts," with a blend of residences, industry, and agriculture.

Howard's garden city concept aimed to address issues such as overcrowding, pollution, and poor living conditions in industrial cities by promoting decentralization, green spaces, and a balance between urban and rural environments. His ideas have influenced urban planning and development worldwide, leading to the creation of several garden cities and communities that embody his principles.