Unleashing Creativity in Garden Design
I struggled for years whether or not I can or should call what I do — gardening — an artistic or creative practice. There was something about actually saying it out loud or putting it on paper that made it feel like the stakes were somehow higher. If I acknowledged my gardening as artistic expression, would it lead me to suddenly be judged or criticized by some horticultural critic lurking in the hedges? (pun intended)
In large part it all came down to confidence. I fell into the trap of comparing my ideas to others and walking the anxious line between appropriation and inspiration. A few years ago, I learned these feelings had a name: imposter syndrome. When someone doubts their skills, talents or accomplishments and has a persistent internalized fear of being exposed as a fraud, that’s the psychological pattern of imposter syndrome.
Too often I felt like I was masquerading as a competent and creative gardener, even while working in botanical gardens. People look to botanical gardens as places to find inspiration and to learn. For a creative person with imposter syndrome, this only compounded the strength of those perceived negative voices.
Today, I’m happy to share that I’m in imposter syndrome recovery. It’s taken work and practice to move past the self-doubt and constant second-guessing and I still relapse from time to time. Over the years, I’ve lost track of how many gardeners I’ve met who have the same nagging, negative feelings. In the spirit of empowering fellow gardeners, I’m sharing the tools and techniques that have worked for me to unleash creativity and build confidence in gardening.
1) Consider who or what you garden for and consider gardening for more than just yourself. This can sow a feeling of higher purpose and move you to see new opportunities in obvious places. Shout out to Benjamin Vogt and his book A New Garden Ethic for sowing this uplifting idea. Many of us do this already as we garden for pollinators and wildlife, for food we share with those who need it, or as therapy for someone recovering from trauma. What if you created a garden for your family pet to provide something richer and deeper and more stimulating than simple turf?
2) Trust your gut. Intuition matters, especially in gardening. Don’t think about what your neighbor or opinionated friend may say about your gardening choices. Your garden is an expression of you. Gardening is so much more joyful when it is unapologetically and unabashedly unleashed.
3) Embrace happy accidents and allow your plants to surprise you. When a reseeding plant pops up in a place you didn’t expect, it can conjure up a creative flush of new ideas and possibilities. Think of this as democratic gardening and your constituents are your plants. Listen to them and observe what they’re telling you about where they want to be and how they want to grow. Gardening as a dictator often leads to rebellion and disappointment.
4) Get to know a few plants very well. Many years ago, I heard plantsman Roy Diblik comment that no best-selling author ever said they needed one more letter to make their book better. Like the 26 letters in the English alphabet, the best authors and gardeners know how to coax new meaning from common and familiar objects arranged in surprising ways.
5) Play a game. Challenge yourself — either alone or with a group of friends — to create a “mock-up” garden design based on an unexpected stimulus. Maybe you tune the radio (or Spotify) to an unfamiliar station and your challenge is to pick five plants that “feel” like the first song you hear. What about designing a garden inspired by your favorite TV show? Star Trek vs. Game of Thrones… things could get interesting fast.
6) Get clear on your personal values and why you garden, and it will be harder for that nagging negativity to creep in. If you’re gardening in a way that feels unconventional, like converting your front yard to a native meadow, you’ll inevitably have to defend your creation at some point. Going back to your values as a bedrock for your creative journey can help you weather challenging moments.
7) Explore and nurture your curiosity. Visit other gardens and make note of what moves you. Even if you don’t understand why right away, document it anyway. Over time, you may begin to notice patterns that surprise you. Your smartphone is an incredible tool for capturing your observations, from keeping voice memos to taking photos. Commit time to keep these thoughts organized and review them periodically (winter is a great season for this) to see if the same things still speak to you or if you notice something new.
Learning how to unleash your creativity in gardening can build your horticultural confidence. Like any habit, it takes practice and mindfulness. These ideas are a starting point, and if you’re already doing something that works for you — keep doing it! Share those go-to techniques in the comments and let’s build our skills and confidence, together.
I believe my garden — any garden — is an art. In fact, I believe gardening may be the slowest of the performing arts and gardeners are the creative forces who bring these performances to life. We choreograph, we design sets, we cast the actors, we write the scripts, we create moments of tension and drama and calm, and we enjoy the performance. No matter where or how or why you garden, I hope these tools help you embrace your creative vision, whatever it may be.
Happy gardening.
