Principles of designed plant communities
The inspiration of the wild
Creating and managing a plant community.
Introduction: Nature as it was, nature as it could be. A new optimism : the future of planting design ; Bridging the gap between nature and our gardens ; The inspiration of naturally occurring plant communities ; Connecting with our memory of nature
Principles of designed plant communities. Developing an understanding ; What makes a designed plant community different? ; The role of native species ; Essential principles
The inspiration of the wild. Our wild hearts ; Landscape archetypes ; Grasslands ; Woodlands and shrublands ; Forests ; Edges
The design process. Honoring the three essential relationships ; Relating plants to place ; Relating plants to people ; Relating plants to other plants
Creating and managing a plant community. Site preparation : the design process continues ; Installation : using a plant's natural growth cycle to your advantage ; Efficient and successful planting ; Creative management : keeping designs legible and functional
Conclusion. A meditation on three gardens ; Why designed plant communities? Why now?
