Inspiration, and exasperation

"A complicated layering of seasonality, energy, endurance and reward – both before, during and after flowering". Piet Oudolf

I have recently been inspired by the work of Piet Oudolf (Dutch and working internationally, including in Britain) and Michael King (British, but working mostly in Holland). How do I marry my own principles with those of gardeners who are so expert and inspiring?

Having just visited the garden designed and planted by Piet Oudolf for Hauser & Wirth at Durslade Farm in Bruton in Somerset, I am flush with new ideas. The images I have brought back with me have filled my head with possibilities that I hadn't before envisaged in a garden. But how to capture the flavour of them in the garden in France?

So far in our courtyard, which measures 30 meters by 23 meters, I have got to know the feeling of the site during the work of moving all the existing plants to the borders that edge the walls, introducing shade-loving plants into the dinosaur garden and under the trees, and hydrangeas in the lea of a north-facing wall. I am left with a large, existing bed which has been cleared to facilitate the building work and some graveled areas either side of the place where the table is placed when the weather is very hot.

The relevant work of my two current heroes is based on the principle of the flowering prairie. They aim for a natural look, as reflected in nature, but since a garden is not nature, they select plants that will fit with the landscape but not compete with each other. Therefore it is largely perennials that are chosen. The plants should look good throughout the seasons and throughout their life, attracting wildlife and creating mood.

My own wishes revolve round a garden that gives interest at all times of the year (doesn't everyone want this?), shows a purposeful design without looking contrived, fits into its architectural, climatic position and its 'terroir', and will look after itself when we are not there (ha ha!).

My instinct would be to go for a structure of shrubs with coloured annuals and perennials, as in the traditional herbaceous border. I should be a little more imaginative in my approach! How do I marry instinct with inspiration?