Taking inspiration from the wild

Taking Inspiration from the Wild

Observing Nature Through Time and Space

Our gardens may not be wild spaces, but we can take inspiration from the wild when designing them. By observing the natural spaces in our local area, we can learn what might thrive in our own garden. We can understand more about the environment in our garden by seeing what is growing around us too. If there's low growing vegetation, it might suggest it's a windy area, or if meadow plants are thriving, it might indicate the soil is sandy or chalky.

Wild spaces are also a great place to learn more about the growing patterns of plants. In nature, ecosystems are self-regulating and different plants have different roles to play. If we can replicate this in our garden, we will have a much easier time.

By spending time in natural spaces, we will see that diversity is key to healthy systems and that plants naturally grow in layers, growing at different heights to protect and support one another. In wild spaces, we might observe a groundcover layer, a herbaceous layer, and then above this small shrubs, small trees and larger trees.

Observing nature like this can help us mimic it in our own growing spaces to create a really diverse and healthy ecosystem.

Observing the Different Functions of Plants in Nature

By watching the wild world, we can also learn about plants with multiple functions. Plants don't just fall neatly into categories, such as edible or beautiful, they can also deter pests, lock nitrogen in the soil and provide forage for pollinators.

One of the most multi-talented wild plants in the UK is comfrey. A member of the borage family, comfrey is a dynamic nutrient accumulator. This means that its deep roots bring nutrients up from lower levels in the soil. In nature, the leaves of the plant then act as a living mulch, bringing nutrients up to a higher level of the soil for other plants to access.

In our gardens, we can use the chop and drop method to turn comfrey into a nutritious mulch or add its leaves to water to make comfrey tea, a nutrient-dense plant food.

Comfrey flowers are also a magnet for bees, while the plant has a long history as a herbal medicine, with its leaves used on wounds and even to bind broken bones.

Including a comfrey patch in your garden is one of the best ways to help your other plants to thrive, which is why it's known as the organic gardener's best friend.

Observing the Natural World Around Our Growing Spaces

Observing the world around us can influence our growing plans too. Here in south Devon, if I see seedlings starting to pop up in the natural world, I know it's time to start sowing my own seeds.

This way, we are growing in time with the rhythms of nature. Conversely, if we notice that nothing is growing in the wild yet, it is unlikely that we'll be able to grow much in our domestic spaces either. The same applies for autumn sowings too. If we notice new growth in wild spaces during September and October, this tells us that it's time to start sowing our autumnal crops too.

Watching wild landscapes can also help us to understand the growing conditions of the local area too. For example, the sight of indicator plants such as heather might tell us that the soil in our area is quite acidic, so we may have to grow ericaceous plants in our own garden.

By observing our local wild spaces, whether they're wet, windy or dry, we can find out a lot about the local climate and this can give use clues as to what is likely to thrive in our domestic space.

Our gardens aren't islands, they are part of the wild spaces around them, so learning about the local area will help us to cultivate our gardens more easily.

Take Wild Garlic, for Example

A good example of taking a cue from nature for me was from observing the wild garlic that thrives all around my area of south Devon. Wild garlic loves damp woodland spaces, which we have an abundance of in my part of south Devon.

By understanding that wild garlic does well in my local area, I knew I could transplant it to my own garden, where the soil and weather conditions are very similar. Also, by growing it in my own garden, I can reduce my impact on wild ecosystems too, as I won't need to forage from them as much for wild garlic, as I now have my own supply.

Wild garlic can become very invasive though, so don't grow it in your garden unless you are willing to eat it regularly.

Take Inspiration from Foraging

When we start eating edible plants from the wild spaces around us, it can be a great reminder of how dependent we are on healthy, functional ecosystems.

By foraging in your local area, you can gain a better understanding of what you can replicate in your own space. For example, if you see that blackberries grow really well in your area, it's pretty safe to assume that they will grow well in your garden. You don't have to grow the exact same species though, you could grow a more cultivated variety, like loganberries.

Your Assignment

Some things to observe in your nearest wild spaces:

1. What wild plants are growing there and how are they helping each other?

1. What is the soil covered with?

1. What grows at different times of year?

1. What plants could you include in your garden based on what you have learnt from your nearest wild spaces?