Why did William Robinson argue that plants should grow where they grow best?

William Robinson, a prominent British landscape designer, advocated for the wild or natural garden as a direct rejection of the formal, architectural styles and artificial practices common in his time.1

His philosophy was rooted in a deep appreciation for the plant itself, emphasizing that plants should be allowed to grow in a natural way rather than being forced into rigid, human-imposed structures. By arguing that plants should grow where they thrive best, Robinson sought to shift the focus of gardening away from the heavy-handed control of artists and toward the expertise of technicians who understood the natural requirements of the flora. This approach prioritized the plant's inherent needs over the desire to manipulate nature, ultimately influencing the development of the modern, more naturalistic garden aesthetic.12