Should we join the New Perennial movement?
IN THE GARDEN
Plan the garden, then order plants and seeds, or order the plants and seeds then plan the garden? Hmm, I’d have to say I probably fall into the latter group in what I’d call the landscaped area. The bones of this part of the garden are well established. I’m not likely to change the hardscaping by rerouting pathways or moving pergolas and arbours, and I’m stuck with the larger trees and shrubs.
But there are always sections that need renovating and there are always new plants to try.
I have seeds already that I’ll soon be starting; however, I really haven’t considered where I’ll plant them come spring. I might have a vague idea, but I need to see the garden to decide where they’ll fit in. Does this part need more colour here or does it need more greenery? Then there’s the challenge of fitting in the impulse purchases, those from plant swaps, plus any I might be given.
On top of all this are the new ideas I’ve picked up through the winter at seminars, from online communities, or in magazines. There’s even a popular trend which I need to consider, except it would require a complete makeover of the whole garden and I’m not prepared to attempt that.
Rather than a trend, its adherents firmly believe it to be a movement with global impact, which is a lot more serious. Called the New Perennial movement, it has Dutch roots and is based on the work of leading designers like Piet Oudolf, Roy Diblik, Adam Woodruff and others.
The New Perennial movement has also been associated with an earlier designer from Ireland, William Robinson (1838-1935). Abandoning traditional, formal garden designs, Robinson pioneered a wilder look dominated by native plants and hardy perennials.
The look then and now could be loosely described as layering these plants and ornamental grasses in groupings with flowing sweeps of colour, plants selected to provide a four-season garden.
I suppose that is something I already attempt, but given the somewhat haphazard way I plan my garden, the likelihood of me meeting the goals of the New Perennials movement are unlikely. I’m more of the do what pleases me at the time movement.
Consideration is given to biodiversity and the support of wildlife, but Oudolf in particular doesn’t feel his designs should be restricted to planting natives. Books on the topic by him will give a far better description of the style than what I can provide. Even better would be a visit to one of the many gardens he has designed around the world.
One of his more famous works is the High Line Project in New York City, which turned an old, elevated railroad line into a public park. Closer to home, there’s another example at the Toronto Botanical Gardens where he designed the Entry Garden Walk. And in Chicago, The Lurie Garden transformed the roof of a massive parking garage into a prairie. It was made possible by a $10 million endowment by the Ann and Robert H. Lurie foundation with the support of garden clubs, industry partners, and private citizens.
You may not have $10 million to spend on your backyard, and it does at first appear that this New Perennial movement is best suited to public parks and gardens, but elements of design can certainly be incorporated into a smaller space. In a postage stamp city backyard where the current trend is for garden rooms with large decks and patios for outdoor living, it might not have the same impact. Now a country property with acres of lawn would be ideal. There’s a plan — anyone?
To chat with local gardeners, share tips, or swap seed, or discus cucamelon, see Grand Gardeners on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/Grandgardeners/.
David Hobson gardens in Waterloo and is happy to answer garden questions, preferably by email: garden@gto.net. Reach him by mail c/o Etcetera, The Record, 160 King St. E. Kitchener, Ont. N2G 4E5