Inspiration from the Frontlines of Green Design
In every field, there are visionaries who raise the bar, people with a keen eye for plants, an unconventional approach, and an endless passion for greenery. In this series, we spotlight the Perennial Pioneers: growers, designers, and green professionals who use perennials and ornamental grasses in their own original way.
What are their favorites? Why do they choose these plants, and how do they incorporate them into their designs? From surprising combinations to smart maintenance tips. Discover the inspiration and craftsmanship of these green trailblazers.
Perennial Pioneer Ton ter Linden & Gert Tabak
In every field, there are visionaries who raise the bar, people with a sharp eye for plants, an individual approach, and an inexhaustible love for greenery. In this section, we put the ‘Perennial Pioneers’ in the spotlight: growers, designers, and green experts who use perennials and ornamental grasses in their own, original way. What are their favourites? Why do they choose these plants, and how do they incorporate them into their designs? From surprising combinations to clever maintenance tips, discover the inspiration and craftsmanship of these green pioneers.
Say ‘brilliant colour combinations’, say ‘playing with light and transparency’… and you’ll soon think of artist and garden creator Ton ter Linden. Ton turned 90 this year and a biographical novel about his life, ‘Past Seasons’, was written by his life partner Gert Tabak.
Ton was one of the founders of the movement later known as the ‘Dutch Wave’, together with, among others, Henk Gerritsen and Piet Oudolf. In the 1980s and 1990s, this movement was truly groundbreaking; instead of English borders with strictly separated groups of plants, naturally styled borders full of taller plants emerged. ‘Weaving plants’ and ‘selective weeding’ are terms coined by Ton.
Since 1992, he has been designing together with his partner Gert Tabak, continuing this garden style in their garden in De Veenhoop (Friesland). Twice, they also designed a border for the Floriade, and their Dream Garden in Bloemenpark Appeltern is well known to many. As Ton grew older, Gert was able to support him more and more in the gardening and design work, as a unit.
Ton ter Linden masters the art of impressionistic gardening like no other. As a painter, he has developed an intense sense of colour. His ‘Yellow Garden’ in Ruinen was an eye-opener for me, his White Garden airy and full of light, his Spring Garden downright magical. I have always admired his individuality. Time for a conversation with Ton and Gert and some revelations from the master’s hand…
TIP: Native plants create a natural atmosphere
Always use native plants in your borders. Ton started doing this back in the seventies! His source of inspiration was, and is, the Jac. P. Thijssepark in Amstelveen, where only native plants are used. This is where the love for ‘wild’ plants grew. Native plants belong here and give your garden a beautiful natural atmosphere. Moreover, they benefit biodiversity. It is true that they can self-seed or spread if they feel at home, but that is a matter of ‘selective weeding’. You quickly learn to recognise them and can easily weed out excess seedlings with an asparagus knife in spring.
TIP: Past seasons
The biography about the life of Ton ter Linden takes you on a narrative journey through his youth, his first job at Artis, the development of his painting, his love for men and for his gardens. For those who want to get to know the person behind the art and the gardens! (ISBN 9789465201818)
Want to know more? Check out our related articles below:
