When we think about gardens, we often picture places of peace and beauty, where plants grow in harmony, carefully curated by those who tend to them. But what happens when those plants venture beyond the garden walls? This was the central question behind our Head Gardener for Horatio’s Gardens Midlands, Alex Law’s long border garden installation, The Not-So-Great Escape, at the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park in 2024.
Alex created a border that challenged perceptions of what we call ‘native’ and ‘non-native’ plants. His design was inspired by the changing face of the British countryside, where garden plants are increasingly finding their way into wild spaces. This issue isn’t inherently problematic as many non-native species contribute to biodiversity and support wildlife. However, as history has shown, a small number of them can become invasive, outcompeting native species and altering ecosystems in ways we don’t always anticipate.
This was a key message from The Not-So-Great Escape, a thought-provoking installation that used plants identified as potential ‘escapees’, ornamental species that thrive so well they have the potential to spread beyond our gardens. Some of these plants have already become familiar names in conservation circles, such as Japanese knotweed and Himalayan balsam. Others, however, are yet to reveal their full impact.
Gardens as Living Laboratories
At Horatio’s Garden, we see firsthand how plants behave in different settings. Our gardens, designed to be restorative spaces for people adjusting to life with spinal injuries, are carefully curated to balance beauty, accessibility, and ecological responsibility.
Like any well-tended garden, they require active management. Some plants, while beneficial, have a tendency to spread rapidly and need to be kept in check. Alex has observed this within Horatio’s Garden Midlands, where certain species, such as Bistorta amplexicaulis ‘Firetail’, flourish so well that they require regular division to prevent them from taking over. Similarly, plants like Cephalaria gigantea and Anemone hupehensis var. japonica ‘Pamina’ produce attractive seed heads but readily self-seed, meaning careful weeding is needed to maintain balance in the garden.
Interestingly, some of the very plants featured in Alex’s RHS Tatton border are also present in our gardens. Erigeron karvinskianus and Alchemilla mollis, for example, are much loved for their delicate, informal beauty. However, they too have a habit of self-seeding prolifically, meaning that while we appreciate their charm, we must also ensure they don’t take over.
A Thoughtful Approach to Gardening
Ultimately, The Not-So-Great Escape was not a call to reject non-native plants but rather an invitation to be more mindful gardeners. Plants do not recognise fences, and as much as we might enjoy their beauty within the confines of our gardens, some have the potential to make themselves at home elsewhere too.
There are simple steps we can all take to be more aware of what’s growing in our gardens. The Plant Alert citizen science project, for example, encourages gardeners to report plants that show early signs of invasiveness. Similarly, taking a little extra care before sharing plants with friends. By checking their tendencies to spread first, we can help prevent potential issues down the line.
At Horatio’s Garden, our focus is always on creating spaces that bring joy and healing, but we are also mindful of our role in the wider environment. As gardeners, whether at home or in professional spaces, we all have a part to play in shaping the landscapes of the future. With curiosity, care, and a bit of science, we can ensure that our gardens continue to be places of beauty, balance, and biodiversity for years to come.
The Future of Gardening: What Can We Do?
Gardens are more than enclosed spaces – they are part of a larger ecosystem. By being mindful of how we plant, where we plant, and what we allow to ‘escape’, we can help ensure our countryside remains rich, diverse, and balanced for generations to come.
If you’d like to support the work we do at Horatio’s Garden, explore our what we do page to learn more!
