Informal Planting - Topic 2 (Planting Styles), Element 3 Flashcards
What is the key decision in contemporary gardens?
The choice between a formal style and an informal style.
List features of informal plantings.
- Irregular shapes within design
- Plantings less restricted by shape and free flowing
- Full-colour palette
- Planting in odd numbers
- Planted water features
- Structure and shape as well as flowering for woody perennials
What is an informal garden?
A garden where the creation of a relaxed environment takes precedence over control of nature.
Define asymmetry in garden design.
Shapes and lines that cannot be duplicated across a line of symmetry.
What type of lines are favored in informal gardens?
Curved, organic lines.
What effect does a curved path have in an informal garden?
It creates a relaxed feel and invites slow exploration.
What is meant by ‘free-flowering’ in informal gardens?
Gardens that flower repeatedly and profusely, encouraging encroachment to soften straight lines.
Describe organic shapes in informal garden design.
Clumps of shape or color, rejecting geometry.
What does ‘matrix planting’ refer to?
The practice of sowing or planting in a way that reflects natural plant colonization.
What is a technique for naturalising bulbs?
Throwing bulbs onto a bed and planting them where they fall.
How can hedges benefit wildlife in informal gardens?
By providing cover, capturing pollution, filtering noise, and offering shelter.
Name three species suitable for informal hedges.
- Viburnum opulus
- Prunus spinosa
- Rosa canina
What is a characteristic of colour use in informal gardens?
Utilizes a wide palette of different colours, often with more subtle hues.
Why might cultivars not be suitable for informal gardens?
They often have brighter, bolder colours than the original ‘wild’ species.
What is the recommended planting strategy for informal gardens?
Planting in clumps or odd numbers.
Who was William Robinson?
An Irish garden designer who promoted ‘wild gardening’ and naturalistic styles.
What is the legacy of the Arts and Crafts movement in garden design?
Influenced modern garden designers towards naturalistic and informal styles.
What does ‘wild gardening’ emphasize?
Planting to the conditions and allowing plants to self-seed and colonize.
What role did Robinson play in popularizing naturalising bulbs?
He recommended planting bulbs in random, organic shapes and patterns.
What is a key feature of informal garden design regarding trees?
Using lots of varied trees to create a fluid effect.
Fill in the blank: An informal garden often utilizes a _______ palette of colours.
[wide]
True or False: Informal gardens typically feature straight lines.
False
What are climbers, particularly Clematis, allowed to do in a garden?
Climb up through hedges and around trees to add structure and depth
This mimics nature and contributes to the garden’s aesthetics.
Why are seedheads left over the dormant season?
To provide food for birds and create the ‘old mans beard’ look
‘Old mans beard’ is a common name for the Clematis genus.
What type of plants did Robinson criticize in formal gardens?
Bedding schemes and many plants from distant shores
Robinson favored native species or those adapted to local conditions.
What is the ‘gardenesque’ style?
A style showing off a wide range of global plants, often grown under glass in winter
This style was criticized by Robinson.
How did the environmental movement affect gardening?
Changed perceptions of human interaction with the planet, leading to sustainable approaches
Influenced by the legacy of the arts and crafts movement.
What features are associated with high carbon footprints in gardening?
Fine lawns and bedding plants
These require more fertilizers and regular watering.
How are weeds treated in informal gardens?
Some ‘weeds’ are tolerated to achieve a ‘free-flowering’ effect
This encourages greater biodiversity.
What has changed regarding the tidying of perennial species at the end of the growing season?
Advice now suggests leaving plants as they are over winter
This provides aesthetic value and a food source for wildlife.
What is the ‘new perennial movement’?
A gardening approach featuring drifts of herbaceous perennials and tall grasses
Effective in autumn and winter, it supports wildlife.
What does woodland planting do in gardening?
Increases the number and type of species in shady sites
It also boosts the amount of flowering plants in these areas.
Can formal and informal features coexist in the same garden?
Yes, they can coexist successfully
For example, informal wildflower species can be surrounded by formal hedges.
