Naturalized landscape designs are often imagined as capturing nature’s “random” patterns while also benefiting local ecology. Yet, to gain acceptance in a human setting, these designs require planning—and perhaps some compromise based on popular preferences. This talk explores the contrasts between naturalized designs and conventional or formal designs. Then we consider topics such as setting, scale, proximity to visitors, plant heights, sightlines, pathways, edges, seating, signs, standards of care, the dormant season, and more. This session focuses on form and setting, not individual plant selections.
There is a special version of this talk for community volunteers who work on public plantings. “Designing Community Meadows and Naturalized Landscapes in Public Settings for Volunteers.”