The Understory

One of my mentors, Wolfgang Oehme, died on December 15, 2011.  The beautiful gardens of Wolfgang Oehme, and Oehme van Sweden and Associates defined the New American Garden Style and are the result of a unique, creative process that no formula can reproduce.  The lush, robust layers of plants are what set these gardens apart; make them recognizable, timeless and responsive to the place.  Wolfgang was a maverick in his approach to landscape architectureand those of us who had the privilege to work with him would never forget the lessons learned.

Without an open mind, you would be left in his dust.  The process of garden design started on a drafting table, but evolved through a fluid process that took you to local nurseries, botanic gardens, woodlands and finally the project site.  The plans were a loose roadmap that marked the beginning of the journey, and were relied on less and less as the garden unfolded.  The plant list evolved based on what we observed, what the site demanded and an assortment of “additional” plants that always magically emerged from the trunk of Wolfgang’s car.  On planting day, the plans were left in the car and we faced a sprawling assortment of plants in containers, waiting for direction.  Wolfgang would layout the plants intuitively, like a painter arranging colors and patterns on a canvas.  He responded to the realities of the site and acted on creative whims.  Preconceived ideas were left on the drafting table.

I never knew what we would end up with, but it was always better than what I imagined.  The tapestry of plants that emerged changed the way I thought about planting design, looked at nature and art.  Patterns of plant textures and colors that grew from an abandoned field became as informative as paintings hanging in a gallery.  His gardens continue to be ephemeral works of art and sources of inspiration.   All those who he touched and included in the process of garden making will miss him.