How to create a Piet Oudolf inspired perennial garden

Piet Oudolf, the renowned Dutch garden designer, has transformed modern perennial gardening with his naturalistic approach.

His gardens, such as the High Line in New York, the Lurie Garden in Chicago, and the Vlinderhof Garden in the Netherlands, showcase drifts of resilient, structural plants that provide interest throughout the year.

His influence extends across Europe, with notable projects including Hauser & Wirth Somerset in the UK and Maximilianpark in Germany. Oudolf has also collaborated extensively with British plantsman and writer Noel Kingsbury, helping to refine and popularise his signature style.

Oudolf’s philosophy emphasises seasonality, plant structure, and biodiversity.

If you want to create a perennial garden in his style, you need to focus on plant selection, layout, and a design that embraces nature’s rhythms.

Note : I have used AI to imagine these images in the Oudolf style.

Understanding Piet Oudolf’s Design Principles

Oudolf’s gardens are often described as wild, yet every planting decision is intentional. He follows key design principles that set his work apart from traditional perennial borders.

1. Structure and Form Over Flowers

While flowers are important, Oudolf prioritises the shape and texture of plants over fleeting blooms. His designs emphasise seed heads, grasses, and perennials with strong forms that maintain visual interest long after flowering. Plants such as Echinacea purpurea (coneflower) and Eryngium giganteum (sea holly) have bold silhouettes that stand out even in winter.

2. Seasonal Interest

Oudolf designs for all seasons. Spring and summer provide vibrant colours, while autumn brings warm tones as grasses turn golden. In winter, the skeletal remains of perennials add texture, catching frost and snow beautifully. Miscanthus sinensis (maiden grass) and Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ are classic choices that offer year-round appeal.

3. Naturalistic Planting

Rather than rigidly structured beds, Oudolf’s gardens mimic nature with flowing drifts of plants. He layers species, ensuring ground cover, mid-height perennials, and taller structural plants all play a role. This results in a balanced, dynamic garden that feels organic.

4. Mass Planting and Repetition

Repeating plant species across a garden creates harmony. Oudolf uses drifts of the same species to form a cohesive tapestry. He also plants in blocks rather than mixing individual specimens randomly, ensuring a sense of rhythm and movement.

5. Biodiversity and Resilience

Oudolf’s gardens attract pollinators and wildlife by incorporating plants that are beneficial to insects and birds. Many of his preferred species are drought-tolerant and require minimal maintenance once established. Achillea millefolium (yarrow) and Salvia nemorosa are excellent choices for supporting biodiversity.

Selecting the Right Plants

Oudolf carefully selects plants that thrive in their environment while maintaining beauty throughout the seasons. His plant choices fall into different categories based on their function in the garden.

1. Structural Plants (Framework of the Garden)

These plants provide architectural interest, standing tall even in winter. They form the backbone of the garden.

• Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower) – Strong seed heads remain intact after flowering.
• Rudbeckia fulgida ‘Goldsturm’ (Black-eyed Susan) – Golden flowers transition into striking dark seed heads.
• Eryngium giganteum (Sea holly) – Spiky, sculptural form with metallic blue tones.
• Veronicastrum virginicum (Culver’s root) – Vertical spikes that persist through autumn.

2. Grasses (Texture and Movement)

Grasses are essential in Oudolf’s designs, adding softness, movement, and seasonal change.

• Miscanthus sinensis ‘Morning Light’ – Elegant, arching foliage with a light, airy feel.
• Panicum virgatum ‘Northwind’ – Upright and strong, with a beautiful autumn transformation.
• Sporobolus heterolepis (Prairie dropseed) – Fine-textured grass with a delicate scent.
• Stipa gigantea (Golden oats) – Feathery flower heads that catch the light.

3. Filler Plants (Supporting the Main Structure)

These plants weave between structural plants and grasses, softening the composition.

• Persicaria amplexicaulis ‘Firetail’ – Long-lasting red flower spikes.
• Salvia nemorosa ‘Caradonna’ – Deep purple spikes that attract pollinators.
• Achillea millefolium – Ferny foliage with flat-topped flower clusters.
• Astrantia major (Masterwort) – Intricate, lace-like flowers that blend beautifully in naturalistic plantings.

4. Seasonal Highlights (Changing the Mood of the Garden)

These plants contribute bursts of colour or texture at different times of the year.

• Aster ‘Little Carlow’ – Late-season blue flowers that provide colour in autumn.
• Helenium ‘Moerheim Beauty’ – Warm-toned daisy-like flowers for late summer.
• Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’ – Fleshy foliage and pink flower heads that deepen in colour.
• Geum ‘Totally Tangerine’ – Early-season orange blooms that contrast with grasses.

Designing and Planting Your Piet Oudolf-Style Garden

1. Planning the Layout

Before planting, create a rough sketch of your space. Consider the height and spread of each plant to ensure a natural flow. Place taller structural plants towards the back (or centrally in an island bed) and layer medium-height fillers and grasses in front. Ground cover plants can help suppress weeds and create a seamless transition between larger species.

2. Creating a Natural Look

• Plant in large drifts rather than mixing too many different species together.
• Repeat key species throughout the garden to create unity.
• Use odd numbers (groups of 3, 5, or 7) for a more organic look.
• Allow plants to intermingle naturally, avoiding rigid separation.

3. Preparing the Soil and Planting

Most perennials and grasses thrive in well-draining soil. Oudolf prefers plants that establish deep root systems, reducing the need for watering. Before planting:

• Remove weeds and enrich the soil with compost.
• Space plants appropriately, giving them room to spread naturally.
• Water well after planting to encourage root establishment.

4. Maintenance and Long-Term Care

One of the benefits of an Oudolf-style garden is its low maintenance. However, some upkeep is necessary to keep it looking its best.

• Minimal Pruning – Allow plants to remain standing through winter to provide structure and food for wildlife. Cut back in early spring before new growth emerges.
• Weeding and Mulching – In the first couple of years, regular weeding is essential. Once plants are established, they outcompete weeds. Mulch lightly to retain moisture.
• Dividing Perennials – Every few years, divide plants like echinacea and miscanthus to maintain vigour.

5. Letting Nature Take the Lead

Oudolf’s philosophy embraces imperfection and the passage of time. Unlike traditional gardens that demand precise pruning and rigid control, his approach allows plants to self-seed and change with the seasons. Over time, your garden will evolve, creating a living, breathing landscape that adapts to its surroundings.

Conclusion

Creating a perennial garden in Piet Oudolf’s style is about more than just choosing beautiful plants; it’s about designing a landscape that celebrates nature’s cycles. By focusing on plant structure, seasonality, and biodiversity, you can build a resilient and visually striking garden that changes throughout the year.

Oudolf’s principles can be adapted to suit your needs, whatever size of garden you have. With careful planning, the right plant choices, and an appreciation for nature’s wild beauty, you can craft a garden that is both inspiring and sustainable.

Other Perennial Garden Design Resources

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Modern perennial garden design inspiration

Piet Oudolf

Noel Kingsbury