A drift planting that uses a backbone of shrubs, such as Cytisus, Phormium, Tamarix and Griselinea, interplanted with Calamagrostis, Verbena, Echinacea, achillia an Perovskia (to name a few).
"Drift planting" is a term I use to describe a more relaxed and naturalistic approach to the arrangement of plants. The implications of this system, however, affect more than just the planting layout. Plant choice, quantities and even the overall layout and design of the garden are subtly altered by this approach.
Traditionally, plants are ordered into spaces by the definition of lawn or paved surfaces, which restrict and define the shape and size of borders. By contrast drift planting uses loose mulches of gravel or bark through which plants grow and spread. Paths and open areas are often of the same material, giving a sense of moving through, or being part of a continuous landscape. In traditional arrangements, you walk along the path and you view the borders; there is a sense of separation, of non-involvement.
Drift planting can be carried out within the confines of borders: however, the results may be less “involving” when used in this way. In such circumstance, there are a number of points to observe:
- Borders need to be created in organic, curving shapes to aid the sense of flow.
- Island borders should be arranged in such a manner that view-lines carry the eye across them, building up layers and depth to the visual effect.
- A central chore of repeat plants is needed across all borders, with variations brought about with highlight plants.
- Large areas of lawn between plant groups reduce the overall effectiveness.
Schematic drawing of a typical drift planting composition showing example groupings of plants.
Although many of the same planting arrangements work well within straight borders and formal layouts, it can no longer be considered drift planting. Instead, such compositions aim to give counterpoise to strong geometry and as such are, despite the individual flamboyance of the plants, carefully composed and controlled.
Summary:
- Place main repeat plants first, especially evergreen. limit this to a few varieties.
- Place any individual specimen highlight plants.
- Place grasses, herbaceous plants in random infill manner.
- Move and re-compose prior to planting!
- Use gravel mulches for sunny, dry planting, woodchip for shadier planting.