explains that, much like their North American neighbors, people in Argentina and Uruguay are just beginning to want gardens with local identities. There is a growing concern for the conservation of natural resources and an interest in the restoration of native landscapes. They are developing a design aesthetic that is uniquely South American, rather than looking back through the generations to European traditions for inspiration. “At the time I designed La Oriental,” she said, “these plants where not yet available, but the plants were chosen to remind you of the native plants around. I have nature and ecology present at the moment I design and I choose plants that will add to the environment I am changing.” According to Robredo, she has only recently been able to source plants native to the region; a mere 20 varieties are now commercially available in local nurseries. Built into a slope, the home is surrounded by structured and geometric terraces and courtyards that include a rill and fountain, a swimming pool, and large rectangular planting beds that are lush in bloom and that add an air of informality to the otherwise rigid geometry. The white and blue groupings of plants incorporate three varieties of Salvia that were included to attract hummingbirds, and large masses of Chrysanthemum frutescens ‘Chelsea,’ Gaura lindeimerii, and a white Lantana ssp. that is native to the region. These controlled spaces morph slowly into the more naturalistic and less tame areas farther away. Structural boundaries disappear and the plants become the most important feature in the gardens. The living and working areas of the estancia are close to the residence, but almost 500 acres of outlying woodlands and rockeries were kept intact and provide nesting spaces, food sources, 124
LEAF MAGAZINE
spring 2012