The world of horticulture is one that combines aesthetics with practicality. Many get lost in the whimsical world of colors, fragrances, and the pure beauty of plants. Few penetrate this surface to question the underlying philosophy, the reasons behind design choices, or the deeper impact of horticultural decisions. John Sales was one of these rare individuals.

His passing is undeniably a loss not just to the horticultural world but to the world of critical thinking. In an era where many blindly follow trends or opt for what is visually appealing, John stood out with his thoughtful and analytical approach to gardens. It wasn’t just about beauty for beauty’s sake; for John, every decision in a garden was imbued with intent and meaning.

His view on maintenance as a continuous act of design is revolutionary. Most view maintenance as a mundane chore, something that keeps the garden going. But John saw it as an ongoing act of creation. Every decision, whether it’s how a path is raked or how a fence is mended, contributes to the overall design and feel of a garden. It’s a perspective that elevates the act of gardening from mere upkeep to continuous creation.

This perspective is reflective of a deeper understanding of life. Much like in life, where every action, no matter how small, contributes to the tapestry of our existence, in gardening, every act of maintenance shapes the garden’s future.

John’s insight into the connection between a person’s personality and their garden is profound. It’s a reminder that gardens, like art, are an extension of the self. They reflect our innermost desires, our idea of paradise, and our view of the world. A skilled designer, like John suggested, is one who can tap into this personal paradise and bring it to life.

His critique of gardens that lack a consistent concept is not just a comment on aesthetics but on purpose. A garden without a clear concept is like a story without a plot or a painting without a theme. It’s visually appealing, perhaps, but lacks depth and meaning.

John Sales, with his critical thinking and philosophical approach to horticulture, was truly a thinker’s gardener. He didn’t just cultivate plants; he cultivated ideas. And as we remember him, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate not just his contributions to gardens but to the deeper understanding of the philosophy behind them.

John Sales offered a fresh and philosophical perspective on gardening. His approach wasn’t merely about placing plants in soil; it was about understanding the deeper connections and the intricate dance of nature. Through his insights, we can glean several pivotal points:

1. The Garden as a Canvas: For John, every decision in a garden was an act of creation. Whether we’re choosing plants, designing a layout, or merely deciding on the day’s attire, we are constantly in the act of designing. This mirrors life itself, where every choice contributes to the larger tapestry of our existence.

2. The Garden as a Living Entity: Unlike art pieces that remain static once they’re completed, gardens are dynamic. They evolve, change, and interact, forming a complex ecosystem of life, growth, and decay. To John, a garden wasn’t just a collection of plants; it was a living, breathing organism that thrived on interaction.

3. Show Gardens vs Real Gardens: John distinguished between gardens that are created for show and those that exist as genuine spaces of interaction. While show gardens showcase a designer’s capability, they lack the soul and essence of a real garden. It’s the difference between a well-composed photograph and a living, evolving reality.

4. Gardens as Art: Just as art forms have blurred lines in modern times, gardens too sit at the intersection of many disciplines. They are not just about botany or design, but also about choreography, timing, and, most importantly, a keen understanding of life. For John, gardens are akin to a slow ballet, moving gracefully through time.

5. The Importance of Interaction: John emphasized that a garden truly begins when plants interact – with each other, with the soil, with the surrounding elements, and with the gardener. This interaction brings depth and meaning to a garden, turning it from a static tableau into a dynamic tapestry of life.

In a world where everything is increasingly becoming commercialized and reduced to mere aesthetics, John Sales stood out as a beacon of depth and introspection. He recognized gardens as more than just spaces of beauty; they were spaces of life, interaction, and philosophy. Through his lens, we see that gardens are not just about plants and design; they’re about life itself, in all its beauty, chaos, and intricate dance.