Landscape designer Franchesca Watson reflects on an evolution in garden design — where naturalistic planting meets structure and design emerges from a dialogue with the land guided by ecology and beauty
I dislike the word ‘trend’ being applied to gardens and garden design. It implies superficiality and has ephemeral appeal when the nature of gardens and gardening is intrinsically slow. Gardens follow the seasons and very little is instant. They are a discipline in patience, observation and humility — personal lessons that are embedded in the act of gardening and not only essential to achieving beauty, but also to understanding a garden as a living, evolving entity.
The evolution of style is a natural byproduct of experience, climate and cultural understanding. Looking back over my years of gardening, its clear to see the shifts; it’s not the plants that have changed, its more to do with how we view them and use them. For the last 10 years, a naturalistic style of garden has shaped much of contemporary design. As time moves on, this style is evolving into a more refined version of itself. I’m finding beauty and pleasure in combining naturalistic planting with planted elements of formality, using ecological principles and practice.
I only use plants suitable to the site. This ensures they don’t become overly taxed and thrive in their garden setting. My preference is for plants that will either be permanent or that seed and repeat without too much input. I use local, indigenous plants if suitable for the conditions and available in quantity. If not, I use any plant that will be undemanding, happy and noninvasive.
Recently, I find myself going back to clipping and shaping of plants. I use them to create undulating barriers, repetitive shapes — for order or pattern, or frames, edges and tunnels to guide people and views. I use light metal frames, or ‘formers’ as we call them in the industry, to ensure the shapes are easily maintained once fully grown.
I choose these plants for their longevity, density, texture, colour, shine – or lack thereof. Shapes and forms in the landscape offer a permanence and a wonderful calm foil to naturalistic planting which tends to be textural and seasonal. Incorporating them into my planting scheme allows me to mix things up and cram in additional species for diversity. It’s an age-old formula that works extremely well — and keeps even the most ardent control freak open to some disorder in the garden.
I find the more recent move towards using grasses in the garden quite wondrous — and a great relief to have them arching, bowing and billowing in a garden, clearly adapted to a domestic setting. Once you understand how grasses work in your garden, they are easy to maintain and usually only need a good cut back just before spring.
The rub is to find those plants that look good when combined with grasses. You need species that are not too clumpy, but with enough form to create a gentle contrast. Dieramas are a particular favourite of mine and fennel always looks great, as does Kniphofia if you like a bright splash. I do wish that the plant growers would look to our local grasslands and develop naturally occurring perennials such as vernonias and berkheyas — we have so many wonderful local species.
In the meantime, combining swathes of grassy planting with the sword-like foliage of irises, watsonias and aristeas creates a striking interplay of form and texture.
For questions or to view Watson Pellacini,'s work, visit [email protected] or chat via wa.me/15557210805
