Global greening trends influence not just Lithuanians, but also our nearby countries. We spoke to Ilze Ruksane, a Latvian landscape designer (ALPI study), who has started many unique environmental projects: from a hospital garden with a decision-making desk to a kindergarten featuring barefoot paths. We asked her how to utilize unused garden areas and which decorative plants are gaining popularity in Latvia.
Lina Liubertaitė: Where should someone begin when creating a space in an unused lot? How can they manage the area, and how do they decide how much lawn to keep and how much to fill with other plants?
Ilze Ruksane: A new yard is often too bare, making the area hard to manage. After all, how many new homes only have a house and a fence? Where should a person start? There is no completely empty area; there are always points within the space. The spot you are in is already a defined area, and you are that point in the space. You need to challenge yourself.
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How to hide covers well so as not to ruin the view of the courtyard / Yellow wheelbarrowFirst, go to your bedroom, lie down on the bed, and observe what you see through the window. Try to envision what you want to see through it—after all, it’s all about your imagination. We need to realize that in our climate, we actually spend 6-8 months of the year indoors, not outside. Plus, each day another 8 hours—while in bed. So, if you wake up daily and can gaze out the window to see a beautiful view that changes with the seasons, that’s amazing. Then, you can say goodnight to your family and to your garden before sleeping. It’s not essential to be outside, and the garden doesn’t need it, which is very significant.
Lina: What other rooms determine the external environment?
Ilze Ruksane: Another room to consider isn’t even the living room, but the kitchen. While preparing your morning coffee or dinner, your eyes involuntarily wander to look out the window. For those with small children, I recommend creating a children’s play area under the kitchen window: you can watch them play while you prepare dinner.
And the representative area is meant to show who you are. Even if the house is hidden behind a brick wall or plants, it also shows that you don’t want to advertise your privacy. Probably, all the beauty will be in the depths of the yard, and this is not a bad thing – it just shows the attitude and personality of the owners. It is necessary to respect their desire for privacy and in this case create a quiet and well-kept representation space.
the most spectacular plants at the Chelsea Flower ShowMuch relies on the personality traits of the owners, so it is not right to leave the job of creating a space solely to a professional and then not take part in the process. If you do, the professional will design a nice setting for themselves, which you might not find appealing. You should spend time thinking, dreaming, and picturing what sort of space you want.
And certainly: talk to all family members, as every opinion is important in this situation.
Lina: In earlier times, it was taught that the lawn should cover two thirds of the land or possibly more. Nowadays, modern designers attempt to reduce the lawn area in the yard as much as they can. How is this trend evolving in Latvia?
Ilze Ruksane: A traditional design always requires some empty space as part of the design. If there are only big plants in the garden, it might feel overcrowded. The lawn serves as a type of empty space. In Latvia, we have learned that lawns can cover large areas, but this is changing. What is essential is not the fraction, but the purpose of the lawn.
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Crop Rotation: How to Apply It Generally in Your GardenYou also have to remember that it will require upkeep. Currently, everyone is discussing how lawns are not a sustainable or cost-effective option; they need a lot of resources and maintenance. Even in Great Britain, known for its lush lawns, there are now limitations on watering. In newly developed areas, using tap water for irrigation is prohibited; it is required to either not water at all or to only use rainwater. However, people are not upset about this, as they recognize the importance of saving natural resources. Thus, we return to the idea that you need to design a space based on what is significant to the owner.
And if you have chosen that you want the ideal lawn, prepare yourself for a lot of effort. It is especially crucial to get the foundation ready properly. Then it’s all about: mowing, watering, fertilizing, mowing, watering..
How is the attitude towards ornamental plants changing in Latvia?
Plants are given more and more importance. People choose them not only for their beauty, but also for their meaning and symbolism. The question of national identity, which was analyzed at your conference last year» Garden style», is also relevant here in Latvia. I have noticed that in the last 5-7 years people are increasingly looking for «grandmother’s plants» to plant in their garden. Simple and easy to grow plants such as peonies, bluebells, hydrangeas, echinacea and marigolds are back in fashion.
I think after independence we rushed into the world, we wanted everything and we could get everything. The grass seemed greener elsewhere. Now we are starting to realize that the green grass is here.
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To transform bare boards into a cozy terrace / Yellow wheelbarrowIn public places and private plots, local plants are grown, sometimes not even new forms, but old common varieties.
Of course there are always breeders who create new varieties, there are always people who seek innovation and experimentation. But people who aren’t as deeply interested in plants want to grow the kind of plants they remember growing up with their grandmother. They say that flower garden was the most beautiful in the world and they want to have one in their backyard.
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