More from Fergus Garrett

Fergus Garrett, the head gardener and current inspiration behind the famed Great Dixter in the UK, was in town earlier this month for a lecture at Olbrich Botanical Gardens. He didn't really say anything most of us haven't heard before, but it was all worth repeating — so I will share it. 

He stressed that 70% of the garden should stay the same while 30% changes. This is essentially the same idea that Piet Oudolf espouses: 70% structural plants that provide visual interest until autumn with 30% filler: plants for flower or foliage color which get untidy after midseason. I think the photo (above) of a tiny corner of the gardens at Dixter shows what he means.

September is the perfect time in our region to look at our gardens through the eyes of Garrett or Oudolf. I think my combo of Arailia 'Sun King' with ferns and Hostas is a reasonably good example of Garrett's idea. This looks the same all season except for when the Martagon lilies or Hostas are flowering. 

Garrett emphasized that "contrast is critical." He shared images of endless plant combinations with color, shape, and textural contrasts including both flowers and foliage. I think I've managed a nice contrast of color and shape in the Carex/Hellebore combo below, but the textures are a bit too similar. 

But the reality is the fact that I have four plants nullifying each other: two yellowish grasses and two plants with sharply serrated leaves. A redo of this spot is definitely on my September "to do" list.

Garrett gave a great concise mantra for me to keep repeating as I try to redo various garden spots this fall: Provide the bones, create contrasts, then soften the picture. Calamintha nepeta subsp. nepeta is one of my favorites for softening. 

Comments

[Lisa at Greenbow]

It is so nice to have an inspiration.

[Denise Maher]

Wonderfully concise! A concept I sometimes struggle to articulate. Your aralia is killing me! I've been babying mine all summer and it never grows beyond a basal tuft of a few leaves. And calamint is one of my favs too. Thanks for covering his talk.

[Linda Brazill]

My husband doesn't like that Aralia and there are few times that he ever takes exception to one of my plant choices, so that Aralia may be on its way out. It is looking less lovely this week. All of the rain is making the lower leaves turn brown. 
My Aralia is 5 or 6 years old and it took a longish time before it did anything. So I would be patient with yours. 
I wish I could have more Calamintha but I barely have enough sun to keep my few plants of it happy. 

[Kristin]

I can't remember how old my aralia is, but it hasn't performed either. I moved it this year, and it's doing better. Fingers crossed for next year.

[Nell]

That's a great nickel version of the Garrett design gospel, thanks!

I'd add one more point: repetition. For an example, look at how the red notes in the Great Dixter image work to hold the composition together. Repetition of shapes is equally important, and more durable than flower color. Sometimes "contrastifolia" without enough echoes can be exhaustingly busy.

[Kris P]

You are among the most thoughtful gardeners I know when applying principles to practice, Linda. In contrast, I tend to be a collector first and landscaper second, cramming whatever new treasure I bring home wherever I can find space and the right sun exposure for it. My garden could benefit from applying Garrett's principles.

[hb]

Good ideas and analysis. Lots for me to think about! Thank you.