A novel design approach to gardening has been  

gaining in popularity worldwide. Referred to as  

matrix planting,this approach aims for nature to  

do a lot more of the heavy lifting in the garden, 

and even  some of the designing. Eschewing 

fertilizers(化肥) and power tools,

it's based on an elegantly simple principle: 

to garden more like nature does.The concept

was born when German city planners sought 

to plant large areas of parkland after World 

War II in a reproducible way that would need 

minimal maintenance. Planners created planting 

mixes that could be used modularly (模块化).

In a matrix garden, plants with similar cultural needs

are grouped so that they will grow together above

and below ground, forming a cooperative

ecosystem that conserves water and discourages weeds.

Dutch plantsman and designer Piet Oudolf's gardens 

popularized this style, adding artistic flavors to the 

planting mixes while playing with color and form, 

including four-season interest and serving the needs 

of wildlife. Beautiful year-round, they invite you to 

enjoy the smallest detail, from the sound of grasses 

in the gentle wind to the sculpture of odd-looking seed heads.

It takes a lot of thought to look this natural. While matrix

 gardens appear wild, they are carefully planned, with

 cultural needs the first consideration. Led by the concept

 of “right plant, right place,” they match plants that enjoy the same soil, sun and weather

 conditions, and arrange them according to their patterns of growth.

The benefits are substantial for both the gardener and planet.

 With human inputs dramatically reduced, the garden's ecology

 can develop well. Established matrix gardens should not need

 the life support we give most gardens: fertilizer, dividing, 

regular watering. Compared to traditional garden plots, 

they increase carbon absorption, reduce stormwater 

runoff and boost habitat and biodiversity significantly.