Gardens and The Need to Plan

I love to visit gardens, especially this time of year when everything is beginning to bloom. I fantasize about sitting down with a sketchbook and patiently, slowly and carefully drawing each detail of the beautiful flowers.
But I never ever do this.

You might have noticed I have flowers in most of my recent paintings. They're invented and evolve as they appear on the canvas. I don't have a plan, not even what colours I'm going to use. Maybe this is why it takes me so long? ;)
I envy artists who know exactly what they're going to paint, what size, colour, materials and subject matter.
The photo above I took at the weekend at Westbury Court Garden in Wiltshire. This garden is meticulously planned and apparently is the only restored Dutch style water garden in the country. It was originally laid out between 1696 and 1705. Now there's planning for you!

I love the detail and orderliness of this drawing of the gardens. It's an engraving by Johannes Kip, made in 1707. Much of the surrounding area has changed today but the water gardens remain. I didn't take a photo of the water! Oh well ;)

I forgot to take a picture of the water but I did notice this enormous tree.

I've no idea the exact date it was planted but it's got to be well over 1,000 years old don't you think?

So getting back to my painting habits, here's the latest work-in-progress.

Unplanned,
happening in front of me as I speak,
no idea where it will go,
more flowers?
wings for the hen?
more leaves?
different shaped leaves?
I could go on.....

The hen's getting bored with all this prevaricating. "Finish it!" she cries in despair.

I don't have an answer to that.
Do you?