In this book, the word natural has two meanings: the first in the design idea of the garden embodying plants grown in informal association with each other (as opposed to the bedding schemes of a rigidly formal garden); the second applies to the way the garden is managed. Plants are chosen for their ability to manage themselves and ground contours are exploited rather than eliminated. The natural garden can look just as appealing as the formal garden but will require far less effort in its maintenance.