183 - Creating a Sense of Place: The Art of Garden Design - Nathan Wilson

In this episode Nathan Wilson explores the concept of creating a 'sense of place' in gardening. He emphasizes the importance of blending architecture, plant materials, and personal history to create unique garden environments. He shares insights into the balance between natural growth and structured design.The essential characteristics of a plant’s color, form, mature size and texture.Nathan explores the significance of incorporating seating in the garden to encourage human interaction with nature. Then he reflects on the role of gardens in improving our mental well-being. He also provides practical advice on plant selection for low-maintenance designs, debunks gardening myths about weed fabric and planting seasons. The conversation highlights the dynamic relationship between people, plants, and place in crafting outdoor spaces.As a noted garden speaker and horticultural graduate of the University of Georgia,He built and managed a plant nursery for eight years and now owns a design build company New Southern Garden.Nathan is the of a host weekly garden radio show on WRWH and a podcast called New Southern Garden.Time Line - Nathan Wilson - New Southern Garden00:00 Welcome to The Garden Question Podcast00:43 Introduction to Nathan Wilson and Episode Overview02:20 Creating a Sense of Place in Your Garden03:01 Designing Unique Garden Environments03:57 Balancing Natural Growth and Structured Design04:46 Incorporating Personal History and Travel Inspirations05:42 Plant Selections for Low Maintenance Designs08:19 Creating a Hybrid Sense of Place12:31 Design Philosophies and Client Interactions14:01 Understanding Plant Characteristics18:23 Types of Gardeners and Their Preferences22:36 Encouraging Human Interaction with Nature28:36 Health and Well-being Benefits of Gardening32:01 Inspiring Curiosity in Children37:20 Low Maintenance Landscaping Tips38:39 Debunking Garden Myths42:28 Earliest Garden Memories46:22 Influential Figures in Horticulture48:22 Valuable Garden Mistakes50:08 Learning and Experimenting with New Plants53:43 A Tour of My Garden58:39 Protecting Young Trees from Deer01:01:32 Future Garden Plans01:06:39 The Difference Between a Garden and a Yard01:08:48 Connecting with Nathan Wilson