Chaotic, Yet Purposeful

Most gardeners plant with a specific theme in mind. Some grow strictly vegetables in their garden. Others enjoy herb gardening, container gardening or even rock gardening. There are those who grow Japanese gardens, water gardens, or perhaps a children's garden. When it comes to my particular gardening theme, chaos comes to mind, but in a good way.

Organized Chaos in the Garden

In my garden, there's actually a method to the madness. I have plants of all types and they're all over the place, but everything serves its purpose in one form or fashion and is chosen with a plan in mind. Granted, that plan doesn't always work as imagined, hence the need for Plan B, or C, and so forth. The end result, however, seems to work out.

For the most part, I plant with pollinators in mind and welcome wildlife in my backyard. There's a mix of native plants and wildflowers here, as well as edibles that are weaved throughout. Rather than one traditional vegetable plot or herb garden, most of mine are grown amongst the flowers. And there's containers everywhere too - many of those are unique. I have plants that grow in tires, a computer monitor, teapots, toys, boots, a purse, drawers and more.

I don't care for fancy schmancy, formal gardens. If you do, that's perfectly fine. I prefer landscape designs where plants are wild and free, full of allure and meandering here and there. I have pathways that go nowhere, for instance, and others that lead to a birdbath, a specific plant, another garden space or a place to sit. There's purpose, though it may take you a minute to figure it out.

To some people, my chaotic gardening theme might be confusing, while others dig my imagination. To me, it's the right balance of order and chaos. It allows me to garden on the fly. My unique garden style doesn't limit me to only planting specific things. So if I come across a different looking plant and decide to get it, I can easily find a place for it. One of the reasons containers are great. They offer so much flexibility.

Organized chaos in the garden, if done carefully, can become the perfect gardening theme for anyone. Just like container gardening, it's flexible and you're free to get as creative as you want. The key to making it work is ensuring that your plants are well suited to the region. For those that aren't, stick them in a pot to bring inside or overwinter in a greenhouse.