Get in the mix, planting up an area prairie style. Create drifts of late-flowering perennials and feathery grasses in groups of 3 or more plants, to generate an airy, almost translucent layering effect – a dreamy space to enjoy.
The loose, romantic and informal style of prairie planting focuses on a strong desire for a naturalistic aesthetic, is wildlife friendly, a low maintenance choice since many of these plants are drought-tolerant, and it’s a style of gardening that was pioneered in 1894 by gardening architect and designer Frank Lloyd Wright.



He referred to it as ‘organic architecture’ – ie the ‘buildings’ or plants, look like they belong to the site and evolved there naturally. Echinacea purpurea and rudbeckia (black-eyed Susan) will stand out among gently swaying, shimmering swathes of ornamental grasses like miscanthus and ponytail plumes of stipa – add achillea, crocosmia, helenium, kniphofia, perovskia, and salvia, all colours and styles because clashes don’t matter in nature!