The Art of Woodland Gardening

Creating lush, shady and cool garden areas

The John Lentz Garden at Vista Gardens is a masterclass in woodland gardening, offering a cool and tranquil retreat beneath a dappled canopy of towering trees. As you explore this serene space, you’ll find a diverse collection of rhododendrons and groundcovers thriving in the gentle shade provided by Dawn redwoods, maples, and Japanese cedars.

Woodland gardening is all about creating a layered, naturalistic landscape that mimics the rich ecosystems found in native forests. In the John Lentz Garden, the interplay between the towering canopy and the lush understory showcases the beauty and diversity that can be achieved in shaded environments. The rhododendrons, with their large, colorful blooms, bring vibrancy to the garden, while the groundcovers weave a living carpet of green, adding texture and depth to the scene.

For gardeners looking to replicate this woodland aesthetic, it’s important to select plants that not only tolerate but thrive in shaded conditions. By choosing a variety of species that offer different heights, textures, and colors, you can create a garden that feels lush and inviting, much like the John Lentz Garden. Incorporating layers, from tall trees to low-lying groundcovers, will help to achieve the dense, natural look that defines woodland gardens.

The John Lentz Garden is a living example of how thoughtful plant selection and design can transform a shaded area into a vibrant, serene landscape. Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own garden or simply enjoying the tranquility of this space, the lessons of woodland gardening are abundant here.