John Sales died recently and I am sorryd to report his passing, yet perhaps less so in America. John was the Head of Gardens for the National Trust for many years; you can read one of his obituaries here.
John was extraordinary for me not just due to his impressive snowdrop collection growing so enviably in an Iron Age ditch in his garden; nor due to how approachable and likeable he was. It was really his sharp, thoughtful, and critical thinking about gardens and the horticultural world that I found particularly impressive; here is an interview I conducted with him for thinkingardens (he was an avid subscriber!). Here is just one sample.
John Sales: John.
Context and Concept: Maintenance Is Essential To Design. John began by explaining that while “maintenance” typically refers to routine procedures like dusting, in a garden every repetitive operation has an cumulative effect: cutting the lawn, raking paths, mend fences or repair buildings can all contribute towards design – even how cutting grass contributes towards it! “Design isn’t simply drawn on paper either; designers begin an ongoing process by formulating ideas which further shape a concept.”
John observes, rightly and interestingly, that our language for gardens lacks adequate terms. He related how he first encountered the concept while considering why some designs don’t function correctly; later he was brought in on a project where there was a concept architect reporting directly to him, whereupon it dawned upon him that design is simply one means of realising this goal.
“Everyone has an idealized version of paradise in mind, even if they fail at realizing it. As soon as you meet a person, you can tell what their garden might look like.”
Designers create concepts from people, place, history, function and what already exists… There is no such thing as an empty slate – even Olympic Park had context. A concept shouldn’t be imposed but unfortunately some spend their time trying to implement someone else’s idea – for instance Broughton Grange has no recognisable or consistent concept (see also).
Charles Hawes holds copyright to Broughton Grange in North Yorkshire.
Biddulph, for instance, does have an odd concept: to grow all plants of the world within their respective environments (link).
However, many designers have become the focal points of fashion trends; you may purchase their style but all it does is serve as an entryway.”
John discussed how gardens are an ongoing design process. He noted that when we get dressed every morning, we are doing nothing less than designing ourselves! (This statement resonated deeply with me as I can see how our everyday identities – gardener, garden visitor, party person or desk worker – directly influence how we select a look).)
He noted, too, that Brown (as with Capability) rarely appears to have drawn his own plans; what we know of his work today has mostly been drawn up by others recording what had been put forth on the ground by him.
“Many of our great gardens were developed gradually over time. Gardens are ever-evolving processes; what makes them special is their juxtaposition between life and death; inertness and activity; interaction among weather, time, season and light.”
People sometimes think of gardens as objects or interior design features; however, a garden truly begins when plants interact. Compare this to plants indoors that don’t interact but just add decorative accents whereas with gardens it goes deeper because it is alive…spiritual, creative and art. Part of the joy of gardening lies in watching its growth over time.”
Show Gardens and Conceptual Gardens
Show gardens can be extremely misleading. While they’re great at showing how effective designers can be at creating a one-time effect, they aren’t gardens until all elements come together and interact – at that point all that exists is an installation rather than gardening at its core. Many artists do simulate gardens, yet none have any direct relation with gardening in reality – it’s all theatrical staging.”
Charles Hawes created this Chelsea garden scene. To access his image click here
Conceptual gardens are an exciting new form of entertainment and challenge, yet are far from traditional gardens. Instead, these “gardens” resemble sculptures instead. Formerly isolated art forms now meet, blend together, and have begun to become one.
There are similarities among art forms; gardens resemble choreography or slow ballet.
Conclusion
For my final quote and summary: “Gardens are highly modified ecosystems which must be maintained through constant adaptation toward an ideal.
