Yes, there are landscape designers who are exploring the concept of designing gardens that can function as a model or prototype for the wild. These gardens are often referred to as "ecological gardens" or "ecological landscapes" and are designed to mimic the natural processes and patterns of nearby wild landscapes.

The goal of ecological gardens is to create a space that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also ecologically functional. They are designed to support local biodiversity and ecological processes, such as nutrient cycling, water infiltration, and soil regeneration. By modeling natural processes in the garden, designers hope to create a space that can serve as a learning tool for visitors and as a prototype for larger-scale ecological restoration projects.

One example of this approach is the "Wild Garden" at the Chicago Botanic Garden. The garden is designed to mimic the plant communities found in nearby natural areas, such as prairies, woodlands, and wetlands. It includes a variety of native plant species, as well as features such as meandering streams, rain gardens, and pollinator habitats. The garden serves as a living laboratory for ecological research and as a model for restoring native habitats in the surrounding area.

Another example is the "New Wild Garden" at the University of Sheffield in the UK. The garden is designed to challenge traditional notions of beauty in garden design and to explore the potential of wildness in urban landscapes. It includes a mix of native and non-native plant species, as well as features such as meadows, wetlands, and woodland areas. The garden serves as a research and teaching tool for students and as a model for creating biodiverse and resilient urban landscapes.

Overall, ecological gardens represent an innovative approach to landscape design that seeks to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also ecologically functional and sustainable. They offer a promising model for creating gardens that can function as prototypes for the wild and that can help to support local biodiversity and ecological processes.