ECO-FRIENDLY GARDENING
American Horticulturist Kelly D. Norris and the 'New Naturalism'
Naturalism has roots in philosophy and science, seeking to understand nature through observation and inquiry.
Mark Zuleger-Thyss
"I like to think of New Naturalism as a synthesis of horticulture and ecology, weaving together contemporary trends in Western horticulture towards a greater nature in gardens: planting with a sense of place, building gardens from foundations of native plants, supporting pollinators and local ecosystems, sequestering carbon and gardening for climate change, among others."
~ Kelly D. Norris
New Naturalism espouses a gardening philosophy from intimate experiences with wild plant communities and habitats.
In his book, New Naturalism (Cool Spring Press, 2021), Kelly D. Norris, the award-winning horticulturist and author, discusses his naturalistic approach to design.
Gardeners learn more every year about how our decisions can benefit the environment. We can plant more natives, say no to pesticides and chemical fertilizers, shrink our lawns, leave the leaves, and more.
Norris was practically born with a trowel in his hands: He planted his first garden when he was just nine. He established an iris nursery, which he ran with his parents for over a decade. Norris also published four books about gardening well before turning 40.
The former director of horticulture and education at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is now creating beautiful, environmentally responsible landscapes for clients.
Norris loves to explain his gardening philosophy, offer advice on how to implement it, and share some of his favorite plants. Below, Kelly shares his advice on creating a garden that's "on the wild side."
"You first embrace the idea that the garden is a system of flora and fauna working together in concert and that it will change. That's the beauty of it. To nurture a resilient garden is to play an infinite game, not a finite one. Resiliency means something more to me than sustainability because many things are sustainable with the right resources. The limitation on resources is what we must get serious about living with.
A resilient garden is self-perpetuating and has a capacity for life that's both independent of and legible despite the gardener (even though we're going to keep planting, weeding, and puttering). It's about living in cooperation with the garden-of-place instead of having to tend or maintain it."
~ Kelly D. Norris
Whether you are a home gardener or a horticultural professional, you'll encounter new and emerging ideas for designing, planting, and stewarding a wild garden.
Mr. Norris has been teaching about ecology's applications to horticulture for many years. He believes it's exciting to learn new methods and modes of gardening as we realize how integrated we are with the environments in which we live and work.
To this end, Norris teaches courses alongside his studio practice, synthesizing his experience, research, and review of the scientific literature distilled into a gardener's voice.
The New Naturalism Academy is an educational experience developed by planting designer Kelly D. Norris. It is a virtual school offering two courses annually and webinars that expand conversations at the intersection of horticulture and ecology.
For more on Kelly D. Norris visit:
Follow Nature... Wherever She may lead You...
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