Principle #2: DON'T FIGHT YOUR SITE
So often we try to design gardens and neighborhoods like the outfits we wear.... all coordinated and matching....... rows of streamlined beds layed out with carefully manicured plantings, looking smart and orderly. Regardless of the zones around our home, we try to continue the same plant theme everywhere -totally unrealistic from a naturescaping point of view.
In reality, our landscape is a collection of nature "pockets".... each with it's own personality based on its location. A hot, sunny spot next to the garage wall is perfect for plantings that can tolerate the heat and sunshine.........how about a cutting garden?
......... but that cool, shady corner on the northeast side of the house near the shed would be better suited to shade-loving plants.
Got a low lying, damp area in your landscape? Assuming it's not damaging your home's foundation, don't fight it.... fill it with plants that love having their feet wet.
See where we're going here?
All these little pockets make for a much more interesting garden, don't you think? Around each corner is another surprise.... something new to enjoy. By going with the flow and letting mother nature dictate the design, the plants will be happier and require less effort to manage/maintain...... can't beat that! I'd much rather sit in my garden and enjoy it than slave away every weekend trying to keep the plants happy.
We've lived in our house here in the PNW for 6 years now. It's situated on the northeastern side of a large hill, at about 320ft elevation, overlooking the Snoqualmie valley. It's a classic woodland landscape, lots of big trees which bring with it lots of shade, and most beds aren't level. There are a couple of spots on our back deck that will get about 7 hours of direct sunshine during the height of summer - just enough for a pot of sun-loving herbs or a small vine. Over the years I've tried and re-tried to put in sun-loving plants and create a collection of lavenders (one of my favorite plants) in the beds around the house, only to watch them repeatedly succumb. I'm a classic example of someone who hasn't followed this naturescaping principle.
Sure, gardening by definition means we manipulate our environment, but if we keep going against what our site will support, we'll always end up losing. So, I think I'll start to appreciate my site's quirks and qualities and design a naturescape that takes advantage of them. I'll have an interesting and truly unique garden that's happier, healthier and puts much less pressure on my wallet, personal time and effort. That's a principle I can live with, for sure.
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