If you create a natural garden yourself, the patience required is a far greater challenge than the work surrounding the design and planting. It just takes time for your green kingdom to transform into a functioning ecosystem modeled on nature. This guide will take you by the hand and explain how to get the creation process started with design ideas and tips for planting.
How do I create a natural garden?
To create a natural garden, first create a sketch plan with elements such as a privacy hedge, flower meadow, wild corner, dry stone wall and kitchen garden. Plant the garden primarily with native plants and simple flowers. Also create a water source for insects and birds.
Create a plan sketch – these elements belong in the natural garden
If you create a natural garden yourself, central basic elements form a harmonious reflection of nature. The goal is a seemingly natural paradise that only receives a touch of individuality through selective human intervention. Therefore, create a detailed plan sketch in advance, which contains the following components in addition to sober data such as light and wind conditions as well as soil quality:
- Privacy hedge made of wild roses and wild bushes with autumnal berries as bird food
- Instead of lawn, a flower meadow with a mixture of wildflowers, clover and grasses
- Wild corner, for example with compost heap, pile of dead wood or leaves, nettle and wildflower bed
- Dry stone wall made of natural stone as a room divider, eye-catcher or slope support
- Useful garden modeled on the medieval monastery and farm garden
A small or large water world is mandatory if you want to authentically design and plant a natural garden. The multi-faceted spectrum extends from mini wet biotopes to rushing streams with waterfalls.
Native plants have priority – tips for planting
If the plan sketch visualizes the future natural garden to your complete satisfaction, the selection of plants is on the agenda. Priority is given to robust wild plants that you might encounter on a walk in the wild. The following selection lists typical species for the natural garden:
- Hedge: hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), blackthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), black elderberry (Sambucus nigra)
- Pond planting: marsh marigold (C altha palustris), swan flower (Butomus umbellatus)
- Wild perennial bed: Columbine (Aquilegia atrata), chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria), dog rose (Rosa canina)
- Planting dry walls: Günsel (Ajuga reptans), lady's mantle (Alchemilla glaucescens), centaury (Centaurium erythraea)
Primarily he althy vegetables should not be missing from the planting plan for the natural garden. Once again, the focus is on local species and varieties, such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale as well as lamb's lettuce, wild garlic and bush beans.
Double flowers are taboo in the natural garden
The flower shape is important to consider when selecting flowering plants for your natural garden. Please only use flowers, perennials and ornamental trees with simple flowers. Double flowers are beautiful to look at. Of course, they are a deception for bees, bumblebees and butterflies. Because the stamens have regressed into petals, there is neither pollen nor nectar to grab.
Tip
With rustic water features you can give your natural garden an atmospheric color and at the same time create an important water source for birds and insects. A wooden tub (€99.00 on Amazon) from the flea market or grandmother's old zinc watering can can be transformed into a lively, bubbling decorative element in no time with a solar pump.