OK, we're all sold on the latest trend in garden design: naturalistic planting, native plants, meadows, Piet-Oudolf style. But how to do it? Now, British author Ian Hodgson, former editor of The Garden magazine, has a new book out — New Wild Garden: Natural-style planting and practicalities
The book's chapters on various plantings styles will inspire you to try some of his methods in a client's garden, or in your own. As Hodgson notes in the introduction, the current trend is to "re-engage with nature and work with it, rather than against it." The result is gardens that "tread lightly on the earth" and provide valuable habitat for wildlife.
He guides you through the principles of naturalistic planting design, whether the gardens are large or small. He explains how to plant native shrubs, trees, perennials, bulbs, and vines; how to seed meadows; and the advantages of annuals, grasses, wildflowers and more. In all, Hodgson outlines 15 projects, each with a different naturalistic style and with elements that can be incorporated into your own design style.
In the back of the book, there's a useful list of plants you may want to consider; and the book is filled with gorgeous photographs by Neil Hepworth that beautifully illustrate the major concepts. A great inspiration for anyone who's sold on natural planting styles or wants to learn more about the subject.
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