The Philadelphia Horticultural Society puts out a magazine called Green Scene, and in this month’s issue Pete Prown wrote an interesting article titled Our American Style in which he asks, “What is an American Garden?”
Pete’s point is a good one. Everyone knows what you’re talking about when you say you’re garden is “English Country” or “Japanese Zen.” But even Americans don’t know what an “American Garden” looks like. Perhaps defining the “American Garden” is as hard as it is to define “American.” Afterall, how do you define a people that have congregated around an idea rather than a common culture, ethnicity or language. America is often described as a “melting pot,” but does the same title fit for our gardens?
Pete thinks so. His own garden is a mix of tropical, native, and Asian plants. I have to admit, my garden is a similar mix. Succulents reside happily next to a fuchsia that is shaded by a container full of Mediterranean and Asian herbs. I have a container that has Japanese, tropical and native plants in it and to be honest, I never gave the odd combination of plants much thought. Why wouldn’t a Canna look great with a Nasturtium?
Do you agree that the American style of gardening is to throw it all in the melting pot?
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{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I really think that any nationality of garden is one that reflects your personal tastes and choices. Of course though we do bring up different images of English gardens, and Japanese gardens . But even within those confines there is room for personal quirkiness. And look at the regional areas of America, I am sure that each has its own “type” also.
Jen
Jen–That’s probably true to an extent, but I think I still agree with the author of the article that American-style is not a well known, well-defined style the way Japanese or English gardens are.
I thought it was funny that the author said that Americans plant around their mailbox. That is so true! LOL!!!