Tool guide for achieving native-wild gardens

Learn with Arq. Rodrigo Escamilla Pérez about the benefits of a native-wild garden, as well as some tips for designing them properly in the Tool guide for achieving native-wild gardens.

Native-wild gardens are one of the nature-based solutions (NbS) to address climate change in cities. Some of the benefits they provide include improving water quality, supplying food and shelter for wildlife, enhancing air quality, and enriching the visual environment, all of which contribute to people’s well-being. Additionally, they are easier to maintain since they consist of plants that have evolved to adapt to local conditions. If you’re interested in having a garden like this, I suggest following these steps to understand them:

Some of the benefits that native-wild gardens provide include improving water quality, supplying food and shelter for wildlife, enhancing air quality, and enriching the visual environment.

1.- Look beyond, paradigm shift and coexistence.

Let’s rethink our mindset; the wild and ruderal vegetation we often disregard can become a part of our garden.
Say goodbye to traditional concepts of design, manipulation, and irrigation, and embrace an approach that celebrates the richness of plant forms, colors, and textures.
Welcome biodiversity! Many plants, insects, and animals will be essential for the adaptation and functioning of these spaces, it’s all about coexistence.

Potencial de la vegetación silvestre / Potential of wild vegetation Fotografía / Photography: Arq. Rodrigo Escamilla Pérez

2.-Explore the Natural Landscape of Your Region.

It’s essential to know and understand the natural context of your area, as this will ensure the success of these types of gardens. Ask yourself:

What is the climate like?, What type of soil is present?, Where is the water located?, What does the vegetation look like? How does the vegetation coexist in its habitat?.

¡The more you know, the better!

La vegetación y su hábitat / The vegetation and its habitat
Fotografía / Photography: Arq. Rodrigo Escamilla Pérez

3.- Ecosystem References.

While this term is associated with ecological restoration, I recommend using it as a tool to create gardens connected to their immediate context and adapted to the region. Consider the following questions:

What is the site like where I will design? Is it shaded or sunny, rocky or fertile, with existing vegetation or not, and is there water present?
How can I associate the vegetation of the new garden with references from the local natural landscape? For example, if there are rocks, what native vegetation grows on them? How is the vegetation arranged in that context?

4.- Contact a specialized design team.

These are dynamic gardens linked to spontaneity in their design and installation, so they will require specific planning. Therefore, you should contact a Landscape Architect or Garden Designer specialized in native and wild themes, as well as have a team of people who understand the natural context of your region to achieve the desired result. A clue to choosing the most suitable one will be knowing if they are truly passionate about the topic, as well as understanding their professional background. I suggest interviewing candidates before making a decision.

Equipo especializado en temas nativos-silvestres / Specialized team in native-wild topics
Fotografía / Photography: Arq. Rodrigo Escamilla Pérez

5.- Enjoy.

You will have a garden with diverse textures and colors, adapted to your environment and changing with the seasons. Most importantly, it will provide environmental services for yourself, the city, and all the living beings with whom we coexist.