Review
“Diblik explains the concepts behind self-sustaining plant communities -- plants that naturally grow well in harmony and require little maintenance, once established. With Diblik's method, you can throw out the mulch, abandon staking, deadheading, the fertilizers and herbicides, the end-of-the-season cleanups. Instead, you'll learn to understand how plants grow -- their soil, water, and light requirements -- and the easy ways to get what you want.... A wonderful book for homeowners and designers alike -- it definitely belongs on your bookshelf.”
(Jane Berger
Garden Design Online)
“A stunning guide to creating nature inspired gardens… Diblik, who supplied many of the plants for the award-winning Lurie Garden at Millennium Park in Chicago, offers up detailed information about 74 sturdy and appealing perennials in a photo-rich reference.”
(Nara Schoenberg
The Chicago Tribune)
If you're considering a perennial garden for a project, the plantsman behind the Lurie Garden in Chicago's Millennium Park has some ideas to share. Roy Diblik owns Northwind Perennial Farm, a nursery in Burlington, Wisconsin, and he appropriately starts the book off with chapters on understanding your garden (soil, light, shade), understanding plants (growth habits, flowers, foliage, stems, crowns), preparing and maintaining the site, and some likely plants to consider. Then comes the true treasure—chapter 6 has 62 planting plans, broken down into sun and shade, and then further into themes inspired by successful public plantings (the High Line, “Essence of Piet Oudolf") or even paintings (van Gogh's Poet's Garden).
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Landscape Architecture)
About the Author
Noted plantsman and designer Roy Diblik has spent more than 30 years studying, growing, and enjoying plants. His passion for native plants and other perennials began with his work at the Natural Garden Nursery in St. Charles, Illinois, and has been cultivated through his establishment of Northwind Perennial Farm, a nursery in Burlington, Wisconsin. Roy’s recent work includes a planting of the new Oceanarium at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and a garden for the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. He is best known as the plantsman behind Piet Oudolf’s midwestern garden designs, including the Lurie Garden at Millennium Park in Chicago. He is a sought-after speaker and regularly addresses audiences across the country.