As we evolve our gardens to be more ecologically focused, let’s set an intention of abundance — as in brimming with color and texture, yes, but also brimming with life.
Compared to more traditional, formal landscapes, such native-plant-forward designs are often labeled looser, naturalistic or wildish, all perfectly accurate descriptors.
But the word “abundance” really gets at both the visual and functional aspects these plantings embody, and having it in mind as a goal can clarify plant choices and placements, said Kelly D. Norris, a Des Moines-based ecological landscape designer.
“It’s a big idea and it’s a very generous idea to bring to a place,” said Mr. Norris, founder of The Public Horticulture Company and author of “Your Natural Garden: A Practical Guide for Caring for an Ecologically Vibrant Home Garden.”
A key element of the thinking that manifests abundance, he said, is that, “At least once in each season there’s got to be something that just is kind of charismatically everywhere.”
