I visited the High Line in Manhattan for the fourth time lat month. There is always a lot to learn observing these public plantings and it was great to finally see them in full bloom during the summer. I was focusing on the way the plants were put together by Oudolf: the combinations of contrasting textures woven together in a very naturalistic way. There is a repetition of plants but they are interspersed almost randomly, rather than planted in the waves that Gertrude Jekyll might have employed nearly a century ago. The prairie plantings in the Chelsea Grasslands gave me ideas for the new rain garden at Putnam Park and the Ruin Garden at Teixeira Park while the new woodland plantings at Falcone Flyover has inspired ideas for the new woodland-edge plantings at Teixeira Park and in my own garden.
Classic Oudolf combination: Echinacea purpurea and Eryngium yuccifolium
Another view of Echinacea purpurea and Eryngium yuccifolium in the Chelsea Grasslands
Grass and Perennial Combination
Monarda fistulosa ‘Claire Grace’, Panicum virgatum ‘Shenandoah’ and Rudbeckia subtomentosa
Heuchera ‘Amethyst Mist’ and a grass in the Philip A. and Lisa Maria Falcone Flyover
Epimediums, Pachysandra procumbens, Liriope muscari ‘Densiflora’, ferns and Asarum canadense
Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ below the huge leaves of Magnolia macrophylla var. ashei
Michael - Thanks for your update of the the High Line. How are the plants doing in this heat? Do they have irrigation? I never considered mixing grass with my perennials, but really giving it more thought now. Need to consult Beth Chatto's book on drought plantings.
ReplyDeleteLoi
Loi,
DeleteI think the High Lone does have irrigation but many of the plants are drought tolerant. Grasses might be a great addition to your garden. They add a very nice textural element and look good a long time. Tom Staurt-Smith used a mass underplanting of Hakonechloa macra to great effect in a Norfolk garden he designed on his website that I'll bet you would appreciate: http://www.tomstuartsmith.co.uk/projects/private-gardens/norfolk-garden/ Ouldolf uses Sesleria autumnalis often and I think it is drought tolerant. Good luck!
Thanks, Michael. I think a silvery grass with white margins would be great in my white garden. Will check out the link.
DeleteThese beds and borders look fantastic...it seems like a hazy day
ReplyDeleteYes it was a hazy day. It was quite warm and we were happy to have some cloud cover. It made the lighting better as well.
DeleteThanks for the new photos, Michael. It is gearing up for its best fall yet, I am sure.
ReplyDelete~Julie
I agree, this autumn should be the best yet. The older gardens are already getting a more mature feeling to them.
DeleteThe High Line is an invention, a new sort of garden, a new way to make or build a garden, to me, Michael. It points the way to a healthier future, one where we're going to have to revive industrial and derelict spaces, as much for their need as for our own, to re-connect ourselves with what's natural. It's a co-operative process, not one where we're imposing our will.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree with you more, Faisal. I think it is an exciting model for the future. I love the idea of giving derelict places a new life and reason for being. I am certain that it will also be good for the environment. Thanks, as always, for your comment.
DeleteI am anxious to get back and see phase II.
ReplyDeleteIt will be worth the trip, Les. It is very cool. The Falcone Flyover and the lawn are very different from anything in phase I.
ReplyDeleteGreat to see the Highline through your camera!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Thomas. I learn something new every time I visit.
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