In the traditional mixed border, shrubs, climbers, perennials, bulbs and annuals defy mortality; when one plant passes its best, there's always another in the wings, waiting to grab the eye. But such borders have very little impact: there is too little at any one time to hold one's attention. Oudolf wonders why we fight the unavoidable. Why not create borders that bring out the beauty of plants throughout their natural cycles?

Our obsession with colour is another deadening influence on current gardening practice. Plants have form: leaves, flower heads and stems have beauty and variety too and last far longer than any bloom. Why not create gardens that use the whole plant, not just its genitals? This, as you've probably already guessed, is a recipe for perennials, and without any of that anxious autumn rush to cut down those perfectly lovely bare stems and seed heads.

With these versatile plants, Oudolf would have us all create gardens that change month by month, week by week, even day by day. It's a radical, beautiful vision that's absurdly easy to achieve. In Designing with Plants Noel Kingsbury has done a terrific job of bringing Oudolf's work within reach of the rest of us.--Simon Ings

Synopsis
This is a study of Piet Oudolf's "New Wave" planting theory and practice. Inspired by nature, his schemes demonstrate how form, texture, light and movement are as important as colour. The manual shows the essential building blocks of this style in special planting palettes, then explains how to combine them in schemes that will bring vibrancy to the garden throughout the year.