The ground substance planting proficiency , popularized by Dutch landscape interior decorator Piet Oudolf , is a method acting of gardening and landscaping that aims to cover every straightforward column inch of space with industrial plant material . It is a extremely intentional and carefully design attack that creates a succulent and diverse landscape painting .
At its heart and soul , matrix planting assay to mimic the raw community of interests dynamics set up in prairies . In a prairie ecosystem , plant get obtusely together , crowding out weeds and creating a symmetrical balance . This concept is applied in intercellular substance planting by thickly planting a variety of plants in layers , from groundcover to seasonal involvement to structural layers .
One of the key benefits of ground substance planting is its power to suppress weeds . By densely planting plants , they shade the ground and preclude sunlight from reaching dope seeds , inhibiting their emergence . This concentrate the need for manual weeding or the use of herbicides , making it a more sustainable and miserable - upkeep approaching to gardening .
Another reward of matrix planting is the visual charm it creates throughout the seasons . Oudolf ’s designs often incorporate a mix of grasses , perennial , and bulbs that bid dissimilar textures , heights , and colors at dissimilar time of the year . This ensures that the landscape remain visually interesting and vivacious throughout the seasons , providing a dynamical and ever - changing display .
To follow out ground substance planting , careful thoughtfulness must be give to establish choice and position . Oudolf emphasizes the use of native or accommodate plants that are well - suited to the local climate and land status . These flora are better equipped to thrive and require less maintenance .
The planting figure itself is based on a grid - comparable pattern , where plant life are space close together in a matrix formation . This creates a dense and cohesive planting scheme that allows the plant to endure each other and constitute a sustainable ecosystem . The grid layout also provides structure and order to the design , while still allowing for the naturalistic and informal tone of a prairie landscape painting .
Maintenance is an authoritative aspect of matrix planting . While it is a low - maintenance approach compared to traditional gardening method , it still command some attention . Regular deadheading , reduce back , and separate plant are necessary to keep their wellness and keep overcrowding . Additionally , occasional soil amendments and mulching may be needed to control nutrient availability and moisture retention .
Personally , I have had the chance to visit garden plan using the ground substance planting proficiency , and the experience has been truly noteworthy . The dense planting of diverse plant create an immersive and enchanting atm . The interplay of coloring material , textures , and heights adds depth and pastime to the landscape painting , while the absence of weeds enhances the overall sweetheart .
Matrix planting is a technique that necessitate densely planting a variety of plants to mime the dynamics of a prairie ecosystem . It offer legion benefits such as grass suppression , seasonal interest , and a sustainable feeler to gardening . By carefully take and place plants , a matrix planting design can create a visually sensational and ecologically full-bodied landscape .
Caroline Bates
