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A longtime exhibitor at the Venice Biennale , Piet Oudolf has raised his visibility in late years , designing standout projects like New York City ’s gamy Line . We caught up with him after the publication of his newest Holy Scripture , Landscapes in Landscapes(Monacelli Press ) , a retrospective of public and secret workplace .
Why did you include plant lists and plans ?
I wanted people to be able to see how ideas change in a garden . There is a lot going on after the first design . you could see the progress in the working drawings . Practicality is a big part of this book .
You are n’t afraid others will slip ideas ?
I do n’t mind give away ideas . I love to see people get inspired .
What ’s the key to introducing emotion into a garden intent ?
I stress to make garden to be like a house painting you’re able to enter , and that maybe remind you of something you almost ca n’t return … like going into the fields or the forest as a kid .
You ’re known for your unrivaled understanding of plants . What are your all - time favourite ?
I love Joe - Pye sess , echinacea , baptisia — not just when they bloom but when they come into seed . Even when the seedpod is eaten off by the birds , they are still beautiful . And they change your garden from bounce until winter . They are hard worker .
That ’s one of your principles , that decay is part of it and can be beautiful . Why do we remove it ?
That is unknown to me . postulate yourself , why cut this back if it still looks near ?
What advice would you give first - time gardeners ?
Do n’t design right off . Start by hoard ; try everything you like and see what works .
Do you wear out clog in the garden ?
I used to . The woodwind is very insulating , and they are easy to step out of when you are going into the farmhouse .
