I’VE BEEN LOOKING FORWARD to connecting with Patrick McMillan, who last October took over as director of the exceptional plant collection and astonishing landscape that is Heronswood Garden in Kingston, Washington.
Besides wanting to know what’s next there at a place that’s been known for a long time for its influence on American gardeners, Patrick has a personal passion I’m very curious about. It’s what he calls “natural community gardening,” as in taking our cues from habitats or plant communities in nature to guide how we design and care for our gardens.
Patrick came to Heronswood last fall from Clemson University in South Carolina, where he ran the South Carolina Botanical Garden and was a professor in the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences. He also hosted a PBS series called “Expeditions with Patrick McMillan,” and led the development of the botanical garden’s Natural Heritage Garden. His motto, in his words:
“No matter how large a garden space is, no matter what you’re doing, you try to make your passion come to life on your piece of ground.”
Read along as you listen to the July 5, 2021 edition of my public-radio show and podcast using the player below. You can subscribe to all future editions on Apple Podcasts (iTunes) or Spotify or Stitcher (and browse my archive of podcasts here).
natural community gardening with patrick mcmillan
Margaret Roach: So I feel like it must’ve been a bit of like, “Dorothy, we’re not in Kansas anymore” when you found yourself in the Pacific Northwest compared to South Carolina.
Patrick McMillan: It really was; it really still is. I’ve been a little shocked how quickly this area has started to just feel like home. Heronswood is one of the world’s great gardens, with some of the
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