New awakenings

Dutch designer Frank van der Linden’s garden is a study in seamlessly integrated functionality and naturalism – an approach developed more by accident than design

Striking a balance between an overly cultivated garden and one that permits nature – wildlife, weeds and all – the freedom to roam is about the most topical challenge in horticulture right now. The principles are in place: chemicals are all but banished, May is becoming unmown, and slugs and snails are being rebranded. The question now is how, rather than why, we should provide for nature in our gardens. Frank van der Linden, a naturalistic garden designer based in the Netherlands, is well versed on this subject, and the move towards a more wildlife-inclusive vision for his own garden near Eindhoven had somewhat serendipitous beginnings.

“Twenty years ago, I started the garden with the aim of establishing a nursery for perennial plants and grasses,” says Frank. “But around 2017, the garden was left to its own devices for a couple of years while I was busy setting up another nursery. When I returned to it, it had become neglected in parts.” Within the structural footprint of hazel and beech hedges, weeds had taken over the planted borders, which had become overgrown with nettles. “I noticed that this had led to a significant increase in biodiversity.” Rather than restore order, this inspired a new direction for Frank’s garden and his wider approach to garden design – one that would provide functionality for users while creating living spaces for wild plant species and animals. “My eyes were opened to working with nature and understanding what it wants from – and with – a garden.”

Using weeds as groundcover