NATURALISTIC LANDSCAPING

What is naturalistic landscaping?

While a precise definition is difficult to come by, this writer understands naturalistic landscaping to be an emulation of patterns and plants that exemplify a particular environment. Since environments differ widely, a naturalistic landscape in Mesa, Arizona, would bear little resemblance to one in Berks County. Both landscapes, however, would remain true to certain design principles, to be discussed later.

Natural forces.

The patterns of an environment are created by these natural forces:

Traditional landscape design.

English and French landscape design principles were imported to our country early on, and the influence of these largely formal approaches to the landscape continues in many quarters. Builders of tract and upsala housing followed the formal, symmetrical style, albeit on a scale considerably less grand than a formal French chateau garden. While precise placement of popular species - yews flanking the main entrance - and the "cookie-cutter" look prevail in American landscapes, naturalistic landscaping has captured the imagination and interest of an increasing number of landscape architects, horticulturists and home owners. Naturalistic landscaping may be seen as a response to sterile, one-size-fits-all suburban scenes. Regionally appropriate landscapes that rely almost exclusively on native plants are beginning to find acceptance.

Some design principles.

Naturalistic landscapes are every bit as planned as their formal counterparts. To plan a naturalistic landscape one studies nature, rather than a standard landscaping text. Use of native plants and consideration of the following guidelines will start one down the path to naturalistic landscaping:

Generally accepted native plants.

Some generally accepted native herbaceous plants for full sun landscapes:

For the shaded landscape consider:

Is it for everyone?

Clearly, naturalistic landscaping is not for everyone. Many prefer the perfectly formatted appeal of the formal garden, while others embrace naturalistic landscaping as a counterbalance to a man-made world whose boundaries threaten to overwhelm nature. One should create a landscape to please one's self, not to slavishly adopt the latest trend. It does seem apparent, however, that the voices of naturalistic landscapers are no longer mere whispers in the woods and that much will be heard from them in the future. Look for naturalistic landscapes to replace traditional lawns on a small, but increasing, scale.

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Acknowledgment: Parts of this page are based on a lecture delivered by Dr. Richard W. Lighty
Director, Mt. Cuba Center for the Study of Piedmont Flora, on October 29, 1998, at the Berks
County Agricultural Center, Leesport, Pennsylvania.
Document created: 15 December 1999;Revised: 3 March 2001