Informal Planting - Topic 2 (Planting Styles), Element 3

Question 1

What is the key decision in contemporary gardens?

Answer 1

The choice between a formal style and an informal style.

Question 2

List features of informal plantings.

Answer 2

• 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

Question 3

What is an informal garden?

Answer 3

A garden where the creation of a relaxed environment takes precedence over control of nature.

Question 4

Define asymmetry in garden design.

Answer 4

Shapes and lines that cannot be duplicated across a line of symmetry.

Question 5

What type of lines are favored in informal gardens?

Answer 5

Curved, organic lines.

Question 6

What effect does a curved path have in an informal garden?

Answer 6

It creates a relaxed feel and invites slow exploration.

Question 7

What is meant by ‘free-flowering’ in informal gardens?

Answer 7

Gardens that flower repeatedly and profusely, encouraging encroachment to soften straight lines.

Question 8

Describe organic shapes in informal garden design.

Answer 8

Clumps of shape or color, rejecting geometry.

Question 9

What does ‘matrix planting’ refer to?

Answer 9

The practice of sowing or planting in a way that reflects natural plant colonization.

Question 10

What is a technique for naturalising bulbs?

Answer 10

Throwing bulbs onto a bed and planting them where they fall.

Question 11

How can hedges benefit wildlife in informal gardens?

Answer 11

By providing cover, capturing pollution, filtering noise, and offering shelter.

Question 12

Name three species suitable for informal hedges.

Answer 12

• Viburnum opulus
• Prunus spinosa
• Rosa canina

Question 13

What is a characteristic of colour use in informal gardens?

Answer 13

Utilizes a wide palette of different colours, often with more subtle hues.

Question 14

Why might cultivars not be suitable for informal gardens?

Answer 14

They often have brighter, bolder colours than the original ‘wild’ species.

Question 15

What is the recommended planting strategy for informal gardens?

Answer 15

Planting in clumps or odd numbers.

Question 16

Who was William Robinson?

Answer 16

An Irish garden designer who promoted ‘wild gardening’ and naturalistic styles.

Question 17

What is the legacy of the Arts and Crafts movement in garden design?

Answer 17

Influenced modern garden designers towards naturalistic and informal styles.

Question 18

What does ‘wild gardening’ emphasize?

Answer 18

Planting to the conditions and allowing plants to self-seed and colonize.

Question 19

What role did Robinson play in popularizing naturalising bulbs?

Answer 19

He recommended planting bulbs in random, organic shapes and patterns.

Question 20

What is a key feature of informal garden design regarding trees?

Answer 20

Using lots of varied trees to create a fluid effect.

Question 21

Fill in the blank: An informal garden often utilizes a _______ palette of colours.

Answer 21

[wide]

Question 22

True or False: Informal gardens typically feature straight lines.

Answer 22

False

Question 23

What are climbers, particularly Clematis, allowed to do in a garden?

Answer 23

Climb up through hedges and around trees to add structure and depth

This mimics nature and contributes to the garden’s aesthetics.

Question 24

Why are seedheads left over the dormant season?

Answer 24

To provide food for birds and create the ‘old mans beard’ look

‘Old mans beard’ is a common name for the Clematis genus.

Question 25

What type of plants did Robinson criticize in formal gardens?

Answer 25

Bedding schemes and many plants from distant shores

Robinson favored native species or those adapted to local conditions.

Question 26

What is the ‘gardenesque’ style?

Answer 26

A style showing off a wide range of global plants, often grown under glass in winter

This style was criticized by Robinson.

Question 27

How did the environmental movement affect gardening?

Answer 27

Changed perceptions of human interaction with the planet, leading to sustainable approaches

Influenced by the legacy of the arts and crafts movement.

Question 28

What features are associated with high carbon footprints in gardening?

Answer 28

Fine lawns and bedding plants

These require more fertilizers and regular watering.

Question 29

How are weeds treated in informal gardens?

Answer 29

Some ‘weeds’ are tolerated to achieve a ‘free-flowering’ effect

This encourages greater biodiversity.

Question 30

What has changed regarding the tidying of perennial species at the end of the growing season?

Answer 30

Advice now suggests leaving plants as they are over winter

This provides aesthetic value and a food source for wildlife.

Question 31

What is the ‘new perennial movement’?

Answer 31

A gardening approach featuring drifts of herbaceous perennials and tall grasses

Effective in autumn and winter, it supports wildlife.

Question 32

What does woodland planting do in gardening?

Answer 32

Increases the number and type of species in shady sites

It also boosts the amount of flowering plants in these areas.

Question 33

Can formal and informal features coexist in the same garden?

Answer 33

Yes, they can coexist successfully

For example, informal wildflower species can be surrounded by formal hedges.