Museum Voorlinden in the Netherlands, the High Line in New York, the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany and the Serpentine Gallery in London—all are dynamic urban green spaces shaped by Piet Oudolf’s vision. During a talk with Dutch architect Piet Boon, Oudolf reflected on his career. Known for his clear and direct manner, he was engaging, outspoken—very Dutch indeed.
The Dutch landscape architect started his career in 1975 with a horticultural business focused on plants. His approach allows nature to take charge—selected species grow at their own pace with minimal intervention.
Unlike conventional gardening, Oudolf prioritises longevity over fleeting aesthetics. He favours perennials—robust, self-renewing plants that require little maintenance. His dedication to sustainable landscapes led to Future Plants, a collaboration with landscape architect Henk Gerritsen, specialising in cultivating flora for public spaces. His work has earned him numerous honours, including the RIBA Honorary Fellowship (2012) and the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds Prize (2014).
“My biggest inspiration is nature. I do not want to copy it, but to recreate the emotion,” Oudolf once said.
This philosophy defines his work—whether urban, public, or private gardens, they are immersive spaces, evolving with the seasons. They remain both wild and intentional.
Designing Green Spaces for All Seasons
The High Line in New York is one of his most striking projects. Inspired by self-seeding plants reclaiming an abandoned railway, he preserved its untamed beauty. Seasonal shifts and plant diversity shape the experience, ensuring the landscape remains vibrant year-round. In an era of climate uncertainty, his method serves as a model for resilient, self-sustaining environments.
Oudolf’s projects go beyond plant and flower selection—they are about a holistic atmosphere. Wildlife—birds, insects—all play an essential role, adding movement and life. His designs invite visitors to engage with the landscape in new ways across different seasons. His influence extends well beyond gardens. He has reshaped landscape architecture, proving that beauty, sustainability, and time can coexist.
What’s remarkable is how accessible Piet Oudolf remains—just a phone call away, as open and approachable as his gardens.
Oudolf.com
Thehighline.org
Vitra.com
Pictures by Valérie van der Werf and author, courtesy of Piet Oudolf’s books.
