New American Garden

Sue Dahlke New American Garden

Gifts from William Dahlke

The New American Garden combines American prairie wild flowers and ornamental grasses with new hybrids of traditional perennials.  The influence of the Brazilian landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx is seen in sweeping ribbons of color accented with tall vertical plants.

New American gardens are "brim with soft, full, relaxed - often wild - plantings that complement the local landscape, adapt to regional growing conditions and respond to seasonal changes."¹

The New American Garden provides ever-changing four seasons interest.  Spring commences with flowering Narcissus (daffodils) followed by an array of herbaceous perennials throughout spring, summer and fall, each with unique foliage and flowers.  Plant interest continues through winter, additionally providing shelter and food for wildlife.

This gardening style is of low maintenance and suited to American life style.  Our New American Garden is not cut back until mid-March, just weeks before the start of a new cycle.

¹  Ottersen, C. 1987.  The New American Garden.  Macmillan Publishing Company, New York, NY.

New American Garden plant listing at Allen Centennial Gardens