Quoted from The Dirt, ASLA Blog at http://dirt.asla.org/
Artfully
Naturalistic Gardens
“Those familiar with naturalistic planting design, an
approach that appears seemingly natural but is actually constructed, will
undoubtedly recognize the names of William Robertson and Gertrude Jekyll who
pioneered the style in the late-1800s. While the approach has remained popular
over the last 125 years, The Authentic Garden delves into how it has evolved
from the 1800s to present day. Over the centuries, two design principles came
to the forefront: first, create multi-seasonal gardens and, second, make them
ecological. These principles, according to the authors, have helped to ensure
the naturalistic approach endures as designers adapt English traditions to
their own climates.
One of the most compelling examples of this evolution is
California-based Elysian Landscapes’ design for a courtyard beside an Isabel
Marant store in Los Angeles, California. Using native plants adapted to the dry
southwest climate, the firm formed “casual massings,” out of “loose tufts of
perennials” that are bright and exotic, but subtly pay homage to a more
traditional planting system. Such examples, found throughout The Authentic
Garden, provide inspiration to designers in all climates.”
Published by The Monacelli Press, 2015
