In recent years, landscape design trends have migrated toward naturalistic aesthetics- a style that equally prioritizes ecological function, native plant selection, and beauty. For some, this may seem like an abrupt turn from the more familiar formal landscape design often employed in home landscapes. The “normal” appearance of spreading lawns, rows of flowering shrubs, well-defined garden beds, and exotic plant species is familiar in home and community gardens. This organized structure is pleasing to the eye and often considered an indication of affluence.
However, a look into the history of garden design reveals close ties between the natural and human-designed landscape. Iconic American designers such as Frederick Law Olmsted, Jens Jensen, and Ian McHarg pioneered the idea that the designed landscape could, rather should, function as an ecological system. Today, projects like The High Line in New York City and the Lurie Garden in Chicago have captured the attention of many with more naturalistic patterns and forms. The combination of a growing awareness of climate change, losses in biodiversity, and the need for resilient landscapes has created a growing interest in naturalistic garden design.
What is Naturalistic Garden Design?
At the most basic, a naturalistic landscape is inspired by the patterns and plants in a native ecosystem. It works to mimic the function of nature while being heavily influenced by humans.
Natural landscapes prioritize the use of native or regionally adapted plant species, utilize a layered planting approach imitating those found in nature (groundcovers, perennials, shrubs, and trees), and seasonal interest that emphasizes habitat value.
If forced to summarize naturalistic gardens in one word, it would be “variety.” By design, naturalistic gardens incorporate a variety of plant species, which lends itself to incorporating a variety of sizes, forms, and textures. As species are chosen, a variety of bloom colors, bloom times, and floral forms should be incorporated. Throughout the year, the mix of plants provides ever-evolving points of interest for people and the wildlife utilizing the garden.
What a Natural Garden is Not
It must be emphasized that a naturalized garden or landscape is a space heavily influenced by human decisions, even though it takes direction and inspiration from nature.
Naturalistic landscaping is not:
- Neglected or overgrown landscapes. Even though it may appear untended, it is managed.
- Low-maintenance or no-maintenance.
- A one-size-fits-all. To recreate an ecosystem, local soils, climate, moisture levels, etc., must be considered.
Benefits of a Naturalized Landscape
Employing the naturalistic style of design can broaden the scope of benefits achieved by a landscape. By prioritizing native plants and mimicking natural ecosystems, naturalistic landscapes are better able to support wildlife such as beneficial insects and birds.
The beauty of a nature-inspired garden provides human inhabitants an opportunity to get close to nature, no matter the size of the landscape. Using a diverse plant palette will provide year-round beauty and will attract a diverse range of wildlife, which can be observed and enjoyed all year. Through observation and interaction, the landscape can also serve as a living classroom for ecology, biology, conservation, and land stewardship.
Landscapes that are designed with the specific location and native ecosystem as the inspiration are better suited to respond to changing environmental conditions and climate extremes. This resiliency results in long-term success, a desirable feature for people who have invested in the installment of the landscape and the species that depend on it for habitat.
Special Maintenance Needs
Once a landscape is carefully designed and installed as an ecologically diverse space, maintenance considerations shift to also prioritizing this ecosystem. Over time, a naturalistic landscape can offer reduced maintenance as compared to some traditional landscapes, but it should be noted that it is not free from maintenance.
During the first few years, what is known as establishment, an adage used in the profession, is that prairies “sleep the first year, creep the second year, and leap the third year”. When installing a natural landscape as a home garden, a similar mentality should be applied to the establishment period.
During the sleep phase of establishment, plants above ground will look like they are barely staying alive, but underground, native plants use the first growing season to develop extensive root systems. These root systems are key to long-term success and resiliency of the planting, so patience during the first year is advantageous. During the second year, many native plants are still establishing their root system, but will develop more top growth that can photosynthesize, thereby supporting establishment. Some short-lived species will bloom this second year, but not all. The third year is when an abundant bloom can be expected.
During establishment, weed control is essential so desired plants can grow free of competition. Manual weeding or mulching is recommended. Chemical use is limited in naturalized gardens. Although many naturalized landscapes will be more drought-tolerant once established, regular deep watering is needed during establishment.
Once established, maintenance needs should diminish. Weed control will continue to be a priority, but the dense planting of native plants will help outcompete potential weeds, which minimizes the task. Supplemental water will be needed only in the most severe periods of drought.
Over time, mowing or burning may be employed to help remove plant debris and rejuvenate the planting. Some species management may be desired as competitive species may become dominant and choke out other species. As your plants become established, adding additional species over time can help fill gaps and enhance the garden.
Finally, depending on the site, establishing and maintaining a well-defined edge to the planting may be desirable. This has little impact on the native plants but can be an aesthetic improvement that draws more positive attention from neighbors.
Summary
Naturalistic garden design is a thoughtful style that can create landscapes that are beautiful in form and beneficial in function. Inspired by nature, these gardens embrace diversity, resilience, and ecosystem formation. While they may appear informal or wilder than traditional landscapes, intentional plant choice and thoughtful maintenance produce long-term success that can be enjoyed by many animal species…people included.
Good Growing Fact of the Week: Throughout his career, Jens Jensen designed approximately 350 residential landscapes. Today, only 35 are believed to be intact. One of these designs is the Hauberg Estate in Rock Island, IL. The landscape is being restored following the original drawings and is open to the public.