Planting Design

An ecological approach to creating resilient, dynamic planting schemes which flourish over time

with Chris Marchant

Friday 28 June 2024

Saturday 29 June 2024

10am - 4pm (arrive at 9.30 for coffee/tea)

£120

Group Size - 10 people

What can we learn by observing plant ecology to predict how a planting design will change or endure over time?

How can we celebrate and enjoy the dynamic behaviour of plants whilst still maintaining the integrity, balance and vision of the original design?

Is it possible to create a cohesive, visually appealing planting community and avoid a collection of individuals with conflicting characteristics?

Planting design is complicated. There are so many variables to consider when putting plants together and an overwhelming choice of plants available. Traditionally the focus is often on height, colour, form and seasonality to achieve a visual planting harmony, but in this workshop Chris will take a more fluid approach to planting design than is traditionally taught. Having worked closely with planting designers for over 30 years she is familiar with the frustrations of schemes which evolve in unexpected ways a few years down the line.

Plants aren’t static objects. They are living organisms, programmed to survive by employing a whole range of tactics and have duly evolved to reproduce and spread in different ways over time and space. Change is inevitable, as we witness in the wider landscape but the key is developing a closer understanding of natural processes such as competition, succession and disturbance as well as a plant’s growth habits and reproductive traits. Setting a clear narrative at the beginning, based on close observation of ecological factors, will help you to develop a balanced planting community that will flourish and breathe, evolving in a way which you can more easily predict and manage.

Chris will break down the process she uses when drawing up a planting scheme. We will spend some time out in the garden at Damson Farm looking at the different growth strategies of different plants and how these are linked to specific site conditions. We will discuss ongoing management and the difference between an approach which relies on a prescribed list of seasonal ‘tidying’ operations against a more nuanced, creative approach involving small, regular interventions which invite a more intimate and enjoyable connection with plants. There will also be an opportunity to work up your own planting plan, using the approach Chris has developed along with lists of some of her favourite, high performing plants.

Chris and Toby Marchant founded and ran the legendary Orchard Dene Nurseries from 1987 - 2019, specialising in growing and supplying herbaceous perennials and grasses to the trade. They worked closely with many of the top landscape designers for award winning schemes such as Hauser and Wirth Somerset and numerous gold medal winning Chelsea Flower Show gardens. Since opting to close the nursery Chris continues to collaborate with professional design practices to inspire and enliven their planting approach.

Lunch 

Alison will prepare a simple vegetarian lunch including produce from the garden. We will round up the day with tea and cake. If you have any specific dietary requests do let us know on the booking form.

What to Bring

Check the weather forecast before you travel and ensure you bring appropriate clothing, whether that’s waterproofs or sun hats, or possibly both!  You may wish to bring a notebook, camera and water bottle too.

Getting Here

Directions will be emailed to you a couple of weeks before the workshop. Use Damson Farm rather than the postcode on Google Maps.

Cancellation policy

As a small business it’s not sustainable to offer refunds. However if you need to cancel your place up to 28 days before the event you will be offered a credit towards another workshop.   After that time, the offer only applies if we’ve been able to re-sell the place. It’s not possible to promote cancelled places for re-sale less than 4 days before the event.