Conventional thinking suggests we all love a neat and tidy garden – flowerbeds are organised and weed-free, hedges clipped, roses in bloom and trees shaped to perfection.
When selling your home, this is the perfect philosophy to attract the greatest number of potential buyers.
Of course, it’s not the only approach to gardening.
An increasing number of folks are enjoying a more free-spirited attitude that creates a wonderful environment for your home but doesn’t require meticulous maintenance.
It’s called “chaos” gardening, and it’s gaining in popularity – you take a bunch of seeds, cast them to the dirt and see what happens.
It pretty much breaks all the gardening rules – not Nature’s rules, though – and features in many Tiktok and Instagram videos.
If you’re someone who loves a garden but doesn’t have a green thumb, this could be your answer.
Here are some ideas for applying “chaos theory” to your garden.
Embrace the philosophy – Think of how your garden might grow if it relied on seeds blown in by the wind, except you choose the seeds. Let go of the idea that plants should be grouped or organised in any way.
Enjoyment factor – The most successful chaos projects embrace only part of the garden. So, when choosing your site, consider where you might be to enjoy it. Will it be sufficient to see it from the kitchen window, or do you want seating among your chaos?
Sunny outlook – To have the greatest success, scatter seeds in sunny areas.
Protect the property – Don’t choose plants that will encroach on the home. Avoid creating problems down the track, such as blocked drains.
Choose a style – When selecting the seeds, consider whether you want a low-maintenance project, one that’s dominated by native species, or a summer-focus that offers lots of color before winter arrives.
Sweet soil – For chaos to flourish, you can’t just throw seeds and hope for the best. Prepare the soil or buy new soil with nutrients to encourage growth.
Prohibited plants – Ensure you don’t encourage the growth of prohibited species that are labeled weeds and are not to be grown in your area. Every municipality has its rules.
Don’t walk away – You’ll still need to water so the seeds germinate. And your garden may get raided by sharp-eyed birds that see an easy food stop.
Chaos, not mess – As your chaos garden flourishes, don’t let it become a mess of plants and weeds all fighting for soil nutrients and sunlight. Dedicate time to regular weeding and shaping the area.