Stumpery

Stumperies first appeared in the 19th century and were popularized by the romantic movement in Europe that focused on the beauty of nature. Stumperies use stumps, logs, and root structures as guiding architecture for the rest of the planting. Natural materials from elsewhere around the garden can be recycled to create spaces that emphasize natural structure and beauty, while slowly decaying and returning to the soil. Dead stumps or rootballs may be overturned to accentuate the unseen like root systems or unique wood patterns, or may be positioned in such a way to blend in with the scape, being dug into the ground or even being pulled apart and arranged as if they had ended up in those positions naturally. The plantings in stumperies typically focus on the use of traditional understory woodland species as well as shade loving annuals and perennials.