In depth articles
I believe that detailed knowledge and understanding provides an essential foundation for the work that I do in designing gardens for my clients; and that this is worth sharing with a wider audience. These articles are my own distillation of some of what I have learned over years of reading and study, and cover a range of topics in botany, soil science, design theory and many other areas of knowledge.
Where possible, I’ve attempted to explain my own understanding from first principles, meaning that some articles stray into core sciences such as chemistry and physics; and a few may be a little technical. I hope you find as much value in reading them as I did in writing them.
If you’re new to plant and soil science, you may want to read this article first.
To find a specific article, filter by category or use the search box.
Movement in plants
A brief discussion of the three main ways in which water, nutrients and gases move within plants, being mass flow, osmosis and diffusion; and of when and why particular substances move in the way that they do.
More chemistry
An overview of the difference between inorganic and organic chemistry, and how both are relevant to understanding plants and their environment, including a summary of some of the most important types of organic molecules found in plants.
Intermolecular forces
A simple explanation of some of the forces that exist between molecules, and which are essential for movement of water and nutrients through plants
Chemistry primer
Whether completely new to chemistry or in need of a refresher, this will help with understanding some of the key concepts used throughout Getting Dirty.