Some Thoughts : Looking Back

Recently I’ve been rediscovering some of the gardening books that first inspired me. What has surprised me is how much practical information and gems of knowledge I’d assimilated both effortlessly and unconsciously, because I was so immersed in the writing.

I discovered my personal “there are no rules” philosophy was in reality based on a very solid foundation of useful information which I had learned from brilliant writers who were natural communicators as well as inspirational horticulturalists. They possessed theoretical knowledge and practical skills and were able to impart both in the manner that all good teachers possess; so the student is unaware they are learning facts and methodology, because what they are being taught is so inspirational.

I think that in order to garden confidently, a balanced understanding of both knowledge and skills are a great bonus. While there is always scope to learn more, over years of practice both skills and experience become intuitive. Now I forget when, where or how I acquired them. I just feel confident that I know them.

Yes, there are ways to garden. It is like all interests, a vast subject with an extensive range of subdivisions and specialisms. I would never, in a million years claim to be an expert. I still have so much to learn. Every garden has its own set of challenges and rewards.

I have always found that a broad knowledge of gardening suits me better than a specialised one. But that’s just my approach. I love design, vistas, groups of plants, textures, colours and variety. Yes, I also love the detail but I’m not the kind of gardener that could ever develop an all consuming passion for devoting my life to one specific species or style.

There are as many approaches as there are gardeners. I like to create by doing, and to just try something rather than being put off by whether I’m doing something the ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way. That’s the best way for me. Let nature take the lead.

Of course, there are ways to garden; methods, techniques, short cuts and creative approaches. It is good to have these in mind. but best of all to learn by hands-on experience. Learn by doing. I believe that watching too many ‘experts’ can make you lose confidence in your own abilities.

Gardening is certainly not an exact science. Practical experience enables confidence and makes it fun. When people ask for my advice they are sometimes dismayed by my vague answers, or even a shrug and, ‘I don’t know’. If I say ‘ well, you could try this, and it may do as well as last year, it may do worse or perhaps even loads better’. People don’t want this kind of advice, they want absolute specifics and certainties. Nature is neither specific or certain.

For me, the pleasure in gardening lies in the unexpected surprises. The uncertainties are often the most rewarding. Try it. See what happens. Don’t be put off. If it doesn’t work out, try something different. Above all, enjoy yourself.