Border Patrol June 26 2009
Of The Seasonal Walk Saga
By Tovah Martin
Naturalistic Composition
And when you think about it, Oudolf’s plan lays all its bets on 26 primo perennials planted en masse and repeated randomly throughout the display. Phlox paniculata hybrids and helenium (now in full, sparkling performance) are always toward the back of the border.
But other tall perennials such as Pycnanthemum muticum are occasionally stationed in front. That’s how the naturalistic composition is wrought, with an irregular staggering of heights. Volume is Oudolf’s signature, and despite the weather, the border bulked up to do him proud.
Although the benchmark of the design is its diversity and its usage of perennials all with a loose, natural posture – there are “standout” perennials in the brew. For example, anyone who isn’t sold on Teucrium hircanum ‘Paradise Delight’ is just plain blind. It’s a knockout. Capped by innumerable long pink catkins, it’s like nothing you’ve seen before. Why this plant isn’t in the mainstream, I cannot fathom. Hopefully, this debut will be its turning point in this country.
