Hello gardeners!

To the untrained eye, an intentionally wilder garden can sometimes look messy or neglected rather than designed and thriving. That’s where intentional cues come in—subtle design choices that signal care, purpose, and structure while allowing the garden to flourish naturally.

Why Do Cues Matter?

In many cultures, people have been conditioned to see neat, structured landscapes as well-maintained and valuable, while wilder spaces are sometimes misinterpreted as overgrown or abandoned. By integrating intentional design elements, the gardener can bridge the gap between ecological gardening and visual appeal, making the space more inviting to neighbors, and friends. Truthfully it may even take some time to educate fellow gardeners on the benefits of a wilder, flourishing garden so by incorporating purposeful cues, it can take visitors along on a journey to understand a new approach to gardening for climate change.

Simple Ways to Add Intentional Cues to a “Wild” Garden

Defined Edges & Mowed Borders
One of the easiest ways to signal intention in a modern garden is to define the edges. This can be as simple as:
- Mowing a crisp border along the edge of your meadow or pollinator patch
- Trimming or mowing a clean line between paths and planted areas
- Using stone, logs, or mulch to visually frame wilder plantings.

A neatly edged space reassures the viewer that the garden is purposeful, not abandoned.

Structured Pathways

A clear path—whether gravel, stepping stones, or mown grass—invites exploration and signals that the space is designed for movement and engagement. A winding trail invites the visitor to experience the garden.

Layering Plants for Natural Flow
Thoughtful layering helps create natural structure. Position taller plants in the back with mid-sized perennials and grasses in the middle layer and use ground covers at the front. This approach mimics natural ecosystems, and traditional border planning, while keeping the garden visually intentional and easy to navigate.

Thoughtful Hardscaping & Focal Points

Adding a few well-placed elements elevates a planted area into something intentional. Consider adding a bench nestled among native plants, or a well-placed rock or log. I am loving the idea of large water bowls perched in borders to attract birds. These features act as visual anchors, guiding the eye and reinforcing the garden’s purposeful design.

Signage & Educational Cues
For gardeners embracing no-mow, or pollinator-friendly spaces, a simple sign can go a long way to help neighbours understand your priorities in maintaining this type of garden.

Gardens are as individual as the gardeners themselves. Utilizing these intentional cues elevates the appearance of the garden and can inspire other gardeners to adopt climate resilient practices. When your garden flourishes despite extreme weather events, you will look like a hero. In fact you will be a hero, regardless, for all the wildlife and pollinators you are helping by gardening in an eco-friendly manner.

Let’s get our hands dirty,