The Garden Question
183 - Creating a Sense of Place: The Art of Garden Design - Nathan Wilson
In this episode Nathan Wilson explores the concept of creating a 'sense of place' in gardening.
He emphasizes the importance of blending architecture, plant materials, and personal history to create unique garden environments.
He shares insights into the balance between natural growth and structured design.
The essential characteristics of a plant’s color, form, mature size and texture.
Nathan explores the significance of incorporating seating in the garden to encourage human interaction with nature. Then he reflects on the role of gardens in improving our mental well-being.
He also provides practical advice on plant selection for low-maintenance designs, debunks gardening myths about weed fabric and planting seasons.
The conversation highlights the dynamic relationship between people, plants, and place in crafting outdoor spaces.
As a noted garden speaker and horticultural graduate of the University of Georgia,
He built and managed a plant nursery for eight years and now owns a design build company New Southern Garden.
Nathan is the of a host weekly garden radio show on WRWH and a podcast called New Southern Garden.
Time Line - Nathan Wilson - New Southern Garden
00:00 Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast
00:43 Introduction to Nathan Wilson and Episode Overview
02:20 Creating a Sense of Place in Your Garden
03:01 Designing Unique Garden Environments
03:57 Balancing Natural Growth and Structured Design
04:46 Incorporating Personal History and Travel Inspirations
05:42 Plant Selections for Low Maintenance Designs
08:19 Creating a Hybrid Sense of Place
12:31 Design Philosophies and Client Interactions
14:01 Understanding Plant Characteristics
18:23 Types of Gardeners and Their Preferences
22:36 Encouraging Human Interaction with Nature
28:36 Health and Well-being Benefits of Gardening
32:01 Inspiring Curiosity in Children
37:20 Low Maintenance Landscaping Tips
38:39 Debunking Garden Myths
42:28 Earliest Garden Memories
46:22 Influential Figures in Horticulture
48:22 Valuable Garden Mistakes
50:08 Learning and Experimenting with New Plants
53:43 A Tour of My Garden
58:39 Protecting Young Trees from Deer
01:01:32 Future Garden Plans
01:06:39 The Difference Between a Garden and a Yard
01:08:48 Connecting with Nathan Wilson