Chaos is a valid design choice but it is not easily achieved. We are creatures of habit and naturally create patterns and repetition in our expression with the natural environment. This sense of order versus natural patterns is what is so wonderful about vineyards and their contrast with natural oak and mixed evergreen forest that adjoin. It is that order and sense of place that is so memorable.
Napa Valley View
A natural habitat is an expression of its environment. There is logic and pattern to the scene. The illusion of the natural or Arcadian scene that we might seek to create is based on an understanding of these natural patterns. These patterns reflect the history of the site.
The geologist sees the rocks, the botanist sees the pattern in the floral structure and the relationship between plants, the dreamer and the weatherman see the clouds and many do not see anything. The Designer sets a course and the Gardener brings it to fruition.
Often we do not see our environment because we know it too well. By thinking of the garden as a static place we tend to not pay attention to its evolution and change. When you are in tune with your environment you will sense a pulse to the environment.
Many Architects seek space that is striking but static. That is environmental sculpture. These spaces can be wonderful; but for me I find that they are not environments I want to spend time in.
The experience of any space is from your vantage point. As you move through the world your aspect is different. You have passed from full shadow to dappled light from a small space with a nestled enveloping feeling to an open expanse of meadow or plaza. The challenge for the garden designer is to envision both movement through space and the landscape through time.
Schematic Plan
Planting is part of the solution and not something to be added later to finish and furnish the project. I do not start with a specific plant in mind but rather I focus on movement, space, and the experience. I think of scale and comfort and whom the garden is for. Most of this is intuitive. I sketch, overlay, try something different, lay it aside and start again. There is a moment when elements coalesce and a concept emerges.
The successful garden is one, which is memorable. It has a strong sense of place. There is a vernacular, a consistent expression to the space and design as it develops. A strong coherent design concept will blend the structural and the living aspects of a landscape so that the sum is greater than the sum of its parts. The moment when the design coalesces is the moment a landscape becomes memorable.
If there is a structured element in the design your planting can reinforce it or add contrast and not follow the built elements of the site. If you are planting an avenue of trees or Bosque you are treating each planting to match presumably. Plants reflect their genetic potential, a habitat preference, their garden tolerance, and how they have grown. You need to understand your palettes potential and limitations.
You have to know your plant, its seasonal character, its tolerances, and its rate of growth, water needs, structural integrity (i.e. brittle or limber), and independence. What is the plant doing for your concept? This gets to the issues of control. To reinforce you design intent your plants have to be predictable and you have to be observant.
That is the essence of plant knowledge. You need to have an idea of where things are going. You can add complexity to planting when you can predict how it all is going to evolve and the level of care needed to maintain the illusion.
Think about the character of the garden as it relates to experiences you have had in the past. What are you trying to accomplish these spaces? Think about the time and resources you have for the garden. Scale the intensity of the garden to match. Most importantly enjoy the process.
