Naturalistic planting design - how to get it right in your own garden

[@nicolewedemeyermiller7016]

This was a very articulate guest who was able to analyze this planting style very clearly. High marks to both interviewer and interviewee.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@lydiasalerno2320]

Totally agree! So well explained and fantastic questions to tease the info out! Thanks both :)

[@katieloovis]

His design has a real harmonious feel. Serenity.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It does!

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

How’s your day going with you Katie?

[@Kylie4Queen]

One of the best interviews I’ve watched. I’m amazed that so much valuable information was conveyed in only 15 minutes…this is definitely one I’ll be watching again and again. Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@nspector]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Yes, you are a master at this. Truly.

[@kerryjean2223]

Yes, I saved this video to my playlist 🌼

[@tara5742]

“A good flower has to look good dead.” This was simple yet eye opening to me. Often, when blooms brown and start to slime over, it feels like a blight. It suddenly changes my garden into a depressing state haha 😆 Whereas my Autumn Joy and Clematis leave intricate structure and pods. Despite acknowledging this, I’ve never made it a priority. I will try that from now on. What a wonderful interview.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@jwalton6819]

I loved the level of detail given in this video to explain exactly why the borders look so good & how to replicate that.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, Michael is such a good communicator.

[@LeanneD4]

This was a fabulous interview - so informative! Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Chimchimenys]

Wow what a talker Michael is, you can tell he's got that broadcaster flow to the way he gives information. Very easy to watch and listen to.

[@ourlifeedited6441]

Just stunning - every clip of the garden looks like a painting.

[@amyjones2490]

This is one of the best interviews I’ve seen. Well done.

[@chikensanwich2009]

I just wanted to say that I love what you do, we recently moved into a new home and your videos have been of so much help, I don't know how ugly my garden would look without you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@sweetpeasandyarrowaranchdi8327]

You are so good at getting the information out of these experts, that I need to hear!

[@Wingate8000]

Thanks for another really great video. The three shapes tip of spires, horizontal and then round makes so much sense to me. I keep looking at one of my beds trying to work out why it’s not quite right and realise all the plants are roughly the same height and I don’t have enough texture variation 🤦‍♀️. Thanks also for taking the time to add in the plant names on screen as it’s so helpful but I imagine creates quite a bit of extra work for you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you - it is a bit more work, but as you say, I think it's helpful. I just hope I get the names right, but I do check them several times!

[@folee_edge]

That's the essence of this channel - thanks for putting into words what I couldn't quite communicate myself 👍

[@aaronfiordimondo1273]

This is hands down the MOST useful and concise description of native planting for the layman. Good on ya Michael!

[@NoctLightCloud]

the beauty lies less in each individual plant but more in the walls and seas of plants when grouped and growing together! amazing.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

So true!

[@SpanishEclectic]

These Australian garden interviews are great, especially for gardeners who live in drought prone areas like California. Your questions are excellent, Alexandra, and unlike many people we see on TV, you let your guests complete their thoughts without interjecting. I love your quality content. I have a 16ft tall Mexican Fence Post Cactus, young Palo Verde Trees, and epazote herb growing in my rose garden, which is in shade in the late afternoon. The roses are in large resin planters, with white alyssum shading the roots. We do what we must! :)

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, your garden sounds lovely

[@seasonallifestyle]

Gardening is the most beautiful hobby! The textures and fullness feel so cozy and homey!

[@BinkyNoss]

Inspirational! I love seeing this concept in climates/countries other than my own. My tiny yard is planted this way but where I live it is called "Florida Friendly." It reduces the amount of water needed & there is no need for insecticides.

[@DeborahChapin]

I live in Maine and I’m doing a wildflower/ pollinator garden 2 acres and I also have used of Karl Foester feather grass with the sedums combination. I’m propagating through division and taking cuttings from the sedums and gradually getting my numbers up. So seeing this was great because I have a new set of Feather grass coming and I was wondering whether I should start new areas or if I should just bulk up the ones that I have and I think I have my answer. In creating more plantings together of what I’ve started, and making the areas a little fuller. I believe that will improve what is already working. I love the Matrona Sedums with the Feather grass. I’ve also put Cardona sage with it which the contrast of color is gorgeous. This area is along a path I have going into the woods. I think they both look beautiful against the feather grass and so it’s kind of a foil for really deep color. With the sedum and the Feather grass together, both have winter interest which is saying something in this climate . Thanks for an interesting discussion. Great questions by the way.

[@dyanalayng5507]

Oh, this is brilliant! You present the strongest garden programmes, Alexandra. 💖💕 And I found this particular one by talking to a friend as we weeded the church garden. We were talking about garden design, R. mentioned the term "engulfed by plants" and a few emails later, here I am watching. Very inspiring, so thank you.

[@p.h.c.1113]

Great interview, coming at the right time. Yes, I have been very interested in this style of planting. I am definitely more conscious of my decisions in the garden now. I will probably never have that look overall, but sections of my yard are getting there.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That's how I feel too, it's made me think differently about some of the problem areas of my garden

[@yuriyromanovich9159]

I had to pause video every 10 second due to the overload of useful information and the beauty of the garden

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@amypetersen]

This is my favorite video/garden yet. Really stunning garden

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, that's lovely to hear.

[@maureenmckenzielueder5942]

I just absolutely love the way that he is including us and his design thinking. Thank you so much for that design instruction. I will watch this several times over. I am going down the path of naturalistic design in my own garden again. I’m in the Midwest so I am knee-deep in Roy Diblik’s book. But it’s fantastic to see the beauty and the basic concepts played out in this Australian landscape. What a fantastic garden. Thank you for sharing it with us

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@sandyunruh387]

For several years, I have been leaning toward more texture and shape and less toward color. This was such a thoughtful interview and the gardens were absolutely beautiful! Thanks so much for what you do for us.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

You are so welcome!

[@heidibucci2305]

Gorgeous gardens and excellent design advice. One of the best garden design interviews I have seen on KZbin! I love this garden style and appreciate the opportunity to learn more.

[@drawyrral]

I've been a "naturalist" gardener for 30 years. Great show today.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@jonelder1204]

I just wanted to say thank you for this brilliant interview. I've been planning a border in this sort of style and have watched this video several times now - the advice is just so thoughtfully concise and useful.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful! Michael is such an interesting speaker.

[@folee_edge]

Oh, it's Saturday, Alexandra Time! ❤️ ☕🎉

[@onechristianwallace]

Piet Oudolf is the godfather of this style. Check out his gardens. Simply stunning.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

He is amazing.

[@VelvetandToads]

ThIs is pure gold! Precisely what I wish to do in a garden I’ll soon have on the Mediterranean. I will watch it over and over and take detailed notes. Can’t thank you enough. 🙏🏻

[@sunitashastry5270]

What a fabulous garden! I loved the textural use of plants - grasses, drought tolerant ones etc etc.

[@BadarTVInternational]

Naturalistic planting design,awesome 👍🇲🇨💪

[@janereel1903]

The guest has a unique way of describing gardening that is fun. "FLORAL GLAMOUR" Lots of good information.

[@alisonwise3444]

So articulate and so informative! Even though my climate and growing conditions are very different, the principles that he describes are so translatable. Many thanks 🌱

[@catrinahiggins6442]

Really enjoying your series of Australian videos and seeing plants that are available in my local nurseries, that do well in my climate. A great interview. Thank you Alexandra!

[@cornishviewnorth8994]

Outstanding in every respect. Will stand watching again and again. Thanks for asking all the right questions!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@pamelacorsi]

I use quite a bit of Calamagrostis Karl Foerster grass in my Massachusetts garden. I love the upright form, color and it stays a nice size for a middle sized garden mixing well with perennials.

[@margaretalmond9716]

Thank you very much for your really helpful videos Alexander. You and your designers are so generous and informative. I particularly liked this one about the relevance of texture, shape and simplicity. Thanks

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you like them!

[@kristinregine4798]

planting low stuff around your grasses was my eyeopener. Thank you Sir.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Mine too!

[@regulschuf]

I do appreciate learning about the principles for this type of gardening. Can visualize years of pleasurable experience with applying them!!!

[@warmgreenshade1210]

Wonderful interview! The borders are just my taste. I aim for something similar with a bit more cottage flowers in my own garden. There were so many useful pointers. Thank you for the video! I’ll be rewatching this one again and again.

[@sydneykasmar]

I like the rhythm of this type of garden and have always enjoyed seeing it also on a smaller scale in wide border designs.

[@mkb7997]

SIMPLY EXCELLENT!!! The absolutely best video on design that think can apply to any garden styles. I will definitely save and share this video.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@elizaduckie7110]

Very articulate and clear explanations. Great questions, I learned a lot! I also have an arid climate and want to naturalize, and use more decorative grasses. This was extremely helpful!

[@susanrieske4258]

Excellent interview! Concise, knowledgeable discussion! Thank you so much. I think I am finally getting a grasp on naturalistic gardens.

[@alexandros1973]

This is a fantastic video 👌, very well done Alexandra! I have been aiming for a naturalistic look in my back garden with some success. This video made it clear that I have got some things right and many things wrong and gives me ideas for things to do to improve my garden. Thank you 🙏

[@screenwearstudio740]

Love how passionate they both are. Yes, agree with the rule of three by form and technique of repetition.

[@willowgrove631]

What a beautiful garden! I have learnt so much from this interview. Thank you! 😊🌻

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Our pleasure!

[@wjs5773]

This was really excellent. You asked such good questions and he is obviously a very talented gardener. Thank you both.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@lissapowell967]

Thank-you, Alexandra for another inspiring interview from Australia. I'v enjoyed them all and they have been so relevant and helpful.

[@mickidonahue4038]

It's like look in at art. I've seen this garden many times now. It is art

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It is!

[@theacripps8099]

I learned so much by watching this!! And the garden featured is so lovely!

[@ruthmccauley8546]

Thank you, this was a great presentation. Lots of very useful information for small or large garden areas. Also talked types of flowers rather than individuals that may or may not work in all our areas. One of my favorite videos among many great videos.

[@toosense]

Looks incredibly natural for a well planned garden. He is definitely a pro. Easy on the eyes, too. 😅

[@bluesky7226]

Fabulous gardens. Fabulous video! I live on the prairie so I have always leaned towards a more naturalistic planting. Thank you for a great video.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@maple5224]

This is an EXCELLENT Q&A. Thank you Alexandra

[@ashiola]

Wow Alexandra, you’ve outdone yourself again and introduced us to another amazing field of joy!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you so much!

[@VickiesGardenEvolution]

I learn so much from your videos and guest speakers, thank you so much!

[@fleurbeckwith9280]

He is so brilliant, such great ideas put so simply and such great gardens. I think some of the photos were of his home garden it seamed???

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, that's right. The light had got too bright for good photography by the time we got to Michael's house, so there weren't many of his own garden but there were a few and it's such a beautiful garden.

[@penelopehammerton2907]

Wow! A beautiful garden. So different. Loved the interview questions and answers. Thank you Alexandra 👏😁

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@RandeeHalladay]

Really enjoyed watching this video for the second time. Excellent

[@nelidascott6917]

You simply have the best posts ! Your topics and your guests are always phenomenal !! Thank you !!🥰

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you like them!

[@hopsletscottage4320]

Impressive garden, I love the use of grasses, makes an excellent mix. I just saved this video so I watch again while taking notes. Thanks for sharing

[@irairod5160]

"Heart-eyes"! The tall, spiky, tawny grasses with the rounded, rusty-red sedums in front...what a striking combination!

[@mauracurran3270]

Superb interview and inspiring inthe level of advice. Love the term floral glamour. What sound advice. Well done Alexandra again.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@HD-xk3km]

A really outstanding interview, and especially helpful for planning a native garden in a somewhat dry climate where it isn't necessarily going to be all about the flowers. Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stephanied790]

Brilliant video, thank you Alexandra. Your questions are so helpful!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FrancescaLuppino]

This really simplified things for me. Thank you both for sharing your knowledge!

[@queen_sophie7515]

I just love all your videos!!! Thank you.

[@adz5bneweng589]

Must say that I truly loved this video. What a wealth of knowledge!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@JP-fd4vf]

What a great episode Alexandra, thanks! I really enjoyed it.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@elizabethkozleski7393]

excellent session. Clear advice tempered by place and climate. McCoy's comments well illustrated by the video. Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@conservativemovement]

Wonderful, Alexandra! Thank you again.

[@roslauchland4006]

One of your best programmes, Alexandra, thank you.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, I so enjoyed doing it.

[@linesydclb8845]

Thank you - very interesting. I would add - especially for beginners is to choose what grows well in gardens in their neighbourhood.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Very good advice

[@pattipostcard8489]

This was very interesting and helpful; thank you.

[@Leila2023_]

so interesting listening to him talk about gardens... wow it's really art

[@ThreeRunHomer]

It’s a stunning style and it was very interesting that he uses no supplemental watering in a dry climate! At the end he briefly mentioned American gardens that are cut back and heavily mulched once a year. Are those prairie gardens? Would love to learn more about that in a future video.

[@donaldauguston9740]

Thank you, Alexandra. I think this is the most influential garden video I've ever seen. He really made me look at my garden differently. Wish me luck this year. DA

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you and good luck!

[@kathrynmettelka7216]

This garden differs from most gardens I am used to. A whole different landscape. I will have to watch The Gardenist videos.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

It's so interesting to see a different kind of garden, I think

[@kunalkishore2938]

Wonderful video... 👌👌👌👌

[@BA-ef4pr]

So glad to see this video! Its what i've been envisioning for my secret garden. I've been challenged on how to place plants for a natural look. Def need to get some flowy grasses! 2 years ago i planted pink muhly grass as a show stopper in a different garden. I recommend orchid rock rose. Its a gorgeous drought tolerant with beautiful blooms in spring but otherwise a deep green year round with no maintenance or water from me. I'm in 9b ca.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, that's interesting.

[@MarthinB75]

Wow! What a wealth of information!

[@margo5668]

Stunning garden and some really good advice 💚

[@nikierohrer2001]

Wonderful video. Very enjoyable and full of wisdom. Thanks so much!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@marysustar8537]

One of your best videos and interviews!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@Thomasfrohwitter]

How’s your day going with you Mary?

[@folee_edge]

Michael McCoy is the...real McCoy 😁

[@chrishoo2]

What a gorgeous garden, many thanks for the video- greetings from Portugal!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thanks for visiting

[@kt9495]

This was brilliant and just what I needed as I’m going to be removing 6,000sf of lawn and doing gravel (lots of deer in headlights stares when I tell people this). My goal is to build something over time comparable to this, where the plants create interest and make natural borders. I love the grasses! I’m also going to try doing a moss garden in an existing front bed, where I have 2,000sf of lawn. I’m Zone 9a, South Texas. Thanks so much!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That sounds like a great project.

[@whitelight9516]

You make always the questions many of us have in mind! Thank you for your videos!!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@beatrixrode1082]

I am glad that I have found your channel. Very informative

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thanks for watching!

[@jcking6785]

Another beautiful garden brought to us by Alexandra. Thank you! Wool pellets must be a British thing. Never seen them here in Kentucky, USA.

[@kateharvey7385]

Oh my goodness! What a fantastic video! Thank you! Wow 🤩

[@jennifersauer3257]

Fabulous!!! And OH MY! What is that incredible ovoid shaped, large specimen with sword shaped foliage in a geometric fan at around 10:50 - it also shows up again at 12:00 too! Looks like a succulent, or cactus 😍😍😍

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I think it's Yucca gloriosa

[@juliabinford6500]

I have used Karl foerster grass in my garden. I absolutely love it. Some of my inspiration has come from my local botanic garden, which seems to have many areas planted with the design principles your guest discusses. He explains things so well. I had several ah ha moments.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, yes Michael is so good at explaining

[@FrancescaLuppino]

This really simplified things for me. Thank yo both for sharing your knowledge!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@clairemcconway6266]

this is incredibly useful, especially on how to use grasses

[@saraw8503]

The conditions in Australia appear to be similar to ours here in coastal North Carolina. My stepdaughter has a new home and is ready to attack the landscaping. I have been steering her toward grasses. I will be sending some screen shots from this video to show her how stunning grasses can be. thanks for the inspiration.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@sandrajohnstone5813]

Sensational...love your Aussie series 👍💖

[@Mikebaldwin007]

That was an excellent video on garden design, packed with lots of useful knowledge on how many and what to grow to give the best effect. Great work, well done, I shall encourage my students to take a look.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!