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South American Gardens and Landscapes
Lessons for North American Gardeners
by Tracy DiSabato-Aust,
Garden Designer & Author
Recently I had the opportunity to speak in
Montevideo, Uruguay and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
I was fortunate to also be able to visit several
gardens there as well as tour Machu Picchu in
Peru. I want to thank my hosts Pilar de Arteaga
de Pereira, who worked diligently with me for 2
years to arrange this lecture, and her fellow
members of the Garden Clubs of Uruguay as well
as Sonia Blaquier and the members of the
Horticulture Society of Argentina. It was a
great honor to speak in both countries to such
keen groups of gardeners about mixed garden
design and color theory from my book The
Well-Designed Mixed Garden.
Also what a chance in a lifetime for my husband
Jim and I to spend time in our hosts homes and
gardens and get to know firsthand the life and
culture of these kind, warm and generous people.
Machu Picchu is such a sacred, majestic place
that words can’t even describe its beauty and
impact. Enjoy a few of my images and note the
uncanny connections between the design elements
of these ancient ruins and the design elements
found in South American gardens today.
Some Key Points:
The style of the gardens closely match the
personality and style of the owners
Outdoor kitchens were prevalent and
expressive of the S. American gardener’s
passion for life
In Uruguay and Argentina form and line were
key garden elements
Incredible the connection between form and
line in Peru at the Inca Ruins in
Ollantaytambo and at Machu Picchu
(terracing) and the form and line used in
garden settings (steps and terracing)
Note the framing of views at Machu Picchu
and the framing of views/entrances in garden
settings
Enjoy the same forms of the mountains and
rooftops at Machu Picchu as the shrub and
topiary forms in an Argentinean garden
Design Principles of Order (Balance & Mass
Collection), Unity (Dominance, Repetition &
Interconnection) and Rhythm (Repetition,
Alternation, & Gradation) are prevalent in
gardens and ruins.
Spectacular studies of light and distance
and its effect on color, texture and form
are possible
Markets and Farming: Epitome of locally
grown---everything is used from all parts of
plants, to Llama fiber and dung, for dyes,
weaving, compost and fuel etc. Crops include
numerous beans, potatoes, and corn.
Tracy on Big Blend Radio Discussing her recent trip to South America,
Tracy was a featured guest on Big Blend Radio's
'Garden Gossip' home and garden radio show, which
aired live on Oct. 20, 2009. To meet the rest of the
guests and listen to the entire show, please
click here.
To listen to Tracy's interview, please double
click the play button below.
Tracy DiSabato-Aust
has earned international acclaim as one of
America’s most entertaining & knowledgeable
garden designers, writers & professional
speakers. She is the author of The Well-Tended
Perennial Garden, The
Well-Designed Mixed Garden, and her
latest book - 50 High-Impact,
Low-Care Garden Plants. Read more
about Tracy’s books & speaking events at
www.TracyLive.com
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