Naturalistic planting design begins with understanding what roles certain plants play in nature.

One of the most useful concepts in a plants’ survival strategy is learning how to classify it on the Grimes Triangle.

This is a new concept for me. I don’t remember every hearing about this classification system or how it works.

We talk about this and more in this episode 173 - Embracing Naturalistic Planting Designs - Jared Barnes, Ph.D.  An encore and remixed presentation.

Dr. Jared started gardening when he was five years old. Since then, he has enthusiastically pursued how to best cultivate plants and cultivate minds.

He currently fulfills those passions as an award-winning associate professor of horticulture at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX.

He obtained his Ph.D. in horticultural science from North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. He interned at The Scott Arboretum of Swarthmore College.

By traveling around the US and to eleven countries he has gained national and global horticulture perspectives.

Jared educates the public with his weekly newsletter Plant-Ed and his monthly podcast Plantastic all found on his website Meristeam.

His passion has been recognized by peers in interviews in Organic Gardening, Greenhouse Grower, AmericanHort Connect, Ken Druse’s Real Dirt, and Nursery Management.  

His articles have appeared in The American Gardener, Fine Gardening and Carolina Gardener.

Time Line:

00:00 Introduction to The Garden Question Podcast

01:20 Guest Introduction: Dr. Jared Barnes

02:43 Understanding Naturalistic Planting

06:07 The Grimes Triangle Explained

11:05 Applying Naturalistic Planting Techniques

16:11 Choosing and Managing Plant Species

31:41 Maintaining Naturalistic Plantings

36:38 Welcoming Biodiversity and Managing Weeds

38:03 The Importance of Patience in Gardening

39:51 Busting Garden Myths: Square Holes for Trees

42:54 The Future of Gardening and Horticulture

44:51 Early Garden Memories and Career Beginnings

51:28 Valuable Garden Mistakes and Future Plans

56:38 Student Projects and The Plantery

01:01:09 Podcasting and Sharing Knowledge

01:06:51 Final Thoughts and Connecting with Jared Barnes