Can a garden designer build 'soul' into a garden, or is that up to the owner?
The love of its owner is the single-most transforming input into a garden. As a garden designer, I'm all too aware of my inability to add that magic ingredient. But is the current, committed care of an owner, or custodian, the only source of 'soul'?
The interest and ongoing care of the owner is essential. The interest should be firmly evident in the finished design and planting to ensure that commitment. If designer’s rather than the owner’s wishes are dominant then the owner might well not have the necessary interest and skills to maintain them. Of course planting suitable for the prevailing climate and conditions are essential and on that area client’s and good, knowledgable designers might well find themselves at odds.
The interest and ongoing care of the owner is essential. The interest should be firmly evident in the finished design and planting to ensure that commitment. If designer’s rather than the owner’s wishes are dominant then the owner might well not have the necessary interest and skills to maintain them. Of course planting suitable for the prevailing climate and conditions are essential and on that area client’s and good, knowledgable designers might well find themselves at odds.