Gardens Growing Wild

The authors of A Pattern Language believe they found something genuine and authentic to human experience in the section called "Garden Growing Wild".

What is described are the very characteristics which are commonly found in "Natural Landscaping" (also including eco-friendly landscaping, Birdscaping with Native Plants, Wildflower Gardening, landscaping with native plants, sustainable landscaping, Landscaping with Native Plant Communities, etc.)

A Pattern Language. Christopher Alexander, with S. Ishikawa, M. Silverstein, M. Jacobson, I. Fiksdahl-King, S. Angel, Oxford University Press, New York, 1977.

Many people are turning to the "garden growing wild" because it requires less maintenance and offers meaningful interactions and/or contributions to a healthier planet.

It is important to remember that this type of garden is inherently informal or casual in appearance. This type of garden or landscaping requires careful planning of spaces used and types of plants. I use native plants that are indigenous to Minnesota and more specifically, to the Twin Cities area when I can. The "garden growing wild" often includes rain gardens (to reduce water run-off), rain barrels (to collect water), and intentional accommodations for attracting songbirds and beneficial insects.

According the Alexander et. al., the Garden Growing Wild is:

....is with a "quality of wilderness, tamed, still wild but cultivated to be in harmony with the buildings which surround it and people move in it."

...."arranged so natural processes will come into being will maintain the condition and not degrade it."

...."garden is arranged to the natural processes and enhances the garden and does not threaten it."
...."the empty spaces are filled with plants to reduce weeds."

...."natural stones form boundaries of grass there is no need to chop the turf and clip the edge every few weeks."
...."rocks and stones are placed where there are changes of level."
...."a garden growing wild is healthier, more capable of growth."

...."mosses and grasses will grow between paving stones." (Pussytoes are used on this path)

...."natural stones form boundaries of grass there is no need to chop the turf and clip the edge every few weeks."
...."rocks and stones are placed where there are changes of level"
...."a garden growing wild is healthier, more capable of growth."
...."The garden can be left alone; it will not go to ruin in one or two seasons."

...."The gardener is in the position of a good doctor, watching nature take its course, occasionally taking action, pruning, pulling out some weeds only to give the garden more room to grow and become itself."