Naturalistic Planting on a Domestic Scale

Developments in ecology and environmental science over the last thirty years have revolutionized the way we think of using perennials in gardens and landscapes.. Whether it’s called “The Dutch Wave”, “The New Perennial Movement”, or something else, creative gardeners and designers have reinvigorated the use and appreciation of herbaceous plantings worldwide. The Highline in New York, the Lurie Garden in Chicago, the Olympic Park Gardens in London and other large recent projects are an inspiration and a stimulus, but how does the average gardener take these big ideas and translate them into a manageable home scale?

In this illustrated talk Robert Anderson will focus on practical techniques for creating and managing naturalistic plantings at a size that’s feasible for the home gardener, in terms of both labor and expense. Using part of his own garden as the example, he will share failures and successes in the development, over three seasons, of a wet meadow style planting. Robert will discuss site selection and preparation, plant material sources, choices and acquisition, installation tips, and seasonal care.

Robert Anderson is a garden designer, consultant and writer from Stuyvesant, NY where he maintains a two acre laboratory garden.

Hollister House Garden Members $25

Non-Members $35

Registration