HOA and Matrix Garden Design

The HCMGs put in two new pollinator beds, near our demonstration garden at the Hendricks County 4H Fairgrounds. The new pollinator beds are meant to explore using native plants in a more traditional garden style.

One design is a general arrangement that should be acceptable by neighbors and folks not familiar with native plantings. That bed is using organic shapes making a wave from one corner to the opposite corner. Shrubs are used to add structural height. Ideas came from organizations like The Wild Ones and Missouri Prairie Foundation.

The second design is a Matrix garden approach. Low growing grasses spaced at regular intervals across the bed provide a background and support for forbs. We used a small loosely shaped tree for structure. Ideas came from books like Prairie Up by Benjamin Vogt. Bloom times were spread across the growing season but especially targeted April, July, and September for displays during our yearly events.

To support pollinators, keystone species that are found naturally in Indiana were included. There were approximately two dozen species to provide diversity and support many pollinators. We used multiple design approaches to manage the look and feel as described below.

The Rule of Three or the 3-5-7 Rule in design is the concept that the human brain looks for balance but not symmetry. A grouping of three related elements seems to be the most pleasing arrangement but groups of five and seven also create a rhythm or flow that makes a scene more legible.

The Rule of Thirds in design is the concept that an asymmetrical positioning of an element of focus creates a more dynamic and interesting composition. Dividing the frame in thirds, both horizontally and vertically provides 4 intersections that are a good starting point to position the element.

The Golden Ratio in design describes elements in nature tend to be distributed mathematically in a Fibonacci Sequence and when that distribution ratio is close to 1 to 1.6, people find it pleasing to look at. For a garden, that would mean a rectangle or oval, would look prettier than a square or circle, even when the overall square footage is equivalent.

Repetition in design is one of several fundamental principles that help tie different groupings together. In gardening, it could be a color or plant that is repeated throughout one bed or across different beds to show continuity.

Organic shapes in design feel more dynamic and approachable. Mass planting or planting in drifts entails grouping the same species of plants close together and creates a more striking visual impact. In a pollinator garden, it also benefits caterpillars by making it easier to find similar host plants.

Gardens have more visual interest having various layers included - low growing plants or ground covers, seasonal interest plants providing year-round interest, and structural plants which provide texture and height. Planting close together provides cover for animals and helps suppress weeds. Taller plants should be placed in the middle part or back of the bed. Ground covers should be placed near the edges to provide a comfortable space between the garden and passersby.

This is a plant list that was used - click here

This is a photo of the Matrix lay out - click here