Synopses & Reviews
Self-seeding plants are a key part of naturalistic gardens, the landscape design style made popular by Piet Oudolf, Noel Kingsbury, and Thomas Rainer. But they can be difficult to manage, and when left to their own devices can quickly spiral out of control. Taking inspiration from the gardens of Christopher Lloyd, Derek Jarman, and Henk Gerritsen, Cultivating Chaos teaches designers how to create beautiful, species-rich gardens. It offers advice on how to add discipline and structure to a garden without losing the charming informality of the plants, tips on improving soil to maximize the chance of germination, and lists of plants for different sites and conditions.
Review
“An unusual, thought-provoking approach to horticulture.” Booklist
Review
“This book is a great resource for gardeners willing to think outside the plot." Publishers Weekly
Review
"This thought-provoking and lavishly illustrated book shows you how you can use prolific self-seeding plants to create an attractive, naturalistic and free-flowing style of gardening." The Daily Mail
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"Informative and inspirational...this book deserves a place by the bed and in the potting shed.”
The English Garden
Synopsis
Self-seeding plants can create naturalistic gardens of great charm, but left to their own devices quickly spiral out of control. Maintaining the balance of plants so that a small number of robust species do not evict the others and developing the structure of the garden are important techniques to acquire. Taking inspiration from the gardens of Christopher Lloyd, Derek Jarman and Henk Gerritsen. Cultivating Chaos teaches how to prepare your soil for improved germination, guide your planting as it evolves, and create different ecological niches from which will emerge beautiful, species-rich gardens.
About the Author
Jonas Reif is the editor of the magazine Gartenpraxis and lives near Berlin. He is an experimental landscape designer and passionate amateur gardener who designs vibrant, varied plantings for both private gardens and city parks. Christian Kress is the owner of Sarastro Perennials in Austria, which is one of the most important perennials nurseries in Central Europe. An experienced ornamental gardener and trained horticulturist, he is well known for plant breeding and introducing new plants. Jürgen Becker is a successful, international garden photographer. He trained at the Academy of Art in Düsseldorf and has won Garden Media Guild awards for his work.