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ONE

SIMPLICITY AND SUSTAINABILITY:

my liberating philosophy

Simplicity is not an end in art. But we usually arrive at simplicity as we approach the true sense of things.

~ CONSTANTIN BRÂNCUŞI

I have never had a client, fellow gardener or friend ask me how to achieve a high maintenance garden. In fact, the one thing they know for sure is they want to keep it simple: low maintenance but beautiful.

I want to say right up front that there is no such thing as a maintenance-free garden or landscape. Gardens will always need a certain amount of attention – they’re living things from Nature. But you can minimize maintenance and keep things simple – and still have a drop dead gorgeous garden. Of course you can.

Before I became a professional gardener I struggled in the garden (like many of us) with site selection, placement, choices, and all the other obstacles that often steal our joy and leave us feeling overwhelmed. The dynamics of my own gardens were constantly changing, like the weather. I was always rearranging, rethinking, renewing or removing. In hindsight, a lot of time, energy, effort and money poured into gardens that never quite suited me or my lifestyle. My gardens were pretty, but they were not a reflection of me. I knew it, but didn’t know how to fix it.

Flowers in my garden

If there was a philosophy of gardening – “The Rules” – I wasn’t tuned into it. So, being someone who really really wanted to be a successful, not-frustrated gardener, I set out to look more deeply into my relationship with plants, with the seasons and the soil – and I discovered the profound wisdom that resides in a balanced ecosystem. A happy, healthy garden was a place where everything worked together in harmony, with the gardener being the facilitator and not the dictator. In time, I created my own foundation for gardening – call it my philosophy.

It is not about keeping up with others. It excludes memorizing botanical names and identifying every garden insect or noxious weed (that’s what Google is for). Rather, it is an ongoing relationship, with deep and lasting experiences. For me, it is an opportunity to bring what I love to the garden; it makes me feel alive, rejuvenated and well. Gardens are my blank canvas, the one place to be fully expressed without limitation or prejudice. A garden is where hope is restored and relaxation is practiced.

Cultivating Sustainability

Sustainability is just about the most important thing to consider in planning and tending a garden. Thinking sustainably is an opportunity to enrich our lives and our souls through a better understanding of our plants and the many simple ways we can bring our garden into sync with Mother Nature. It’s not a matter of giving anything up, but more about choosing a better way to achieve the same ends – and having a more heightened awareness of the rich inner life of your garden. And by “garden” I mean anything from acres of land to a tiny suburban back yard to a small container on a sunny deck.

Getting to this place of sustainability in the garden does not have to be tricky or “easier said than done.” It does not mean you have to sacrifice beauty and design. But it does start with knowing in advance your desires, budget, physical capabilities, expected outcomes and commitments. And a few simple ground rules that will save you time, money, labor and heartbreak. Here is my Rule #1:

Right Plant, Right Place

You’ve probably heard the term. It is one of the fundamentals of sustainable (and successful) gardening. Let me tell you a cautionary tale about not choosing the right plant for the right place, and the unintended consequences that followed – both for my peace of mind and for the local landfill. I’m happy to say that my tale ends with an epiphany, but getting there was hard.

Many years ago I planted a very small ‘Hakuronishiki’ dappled willow in my landscape. And it GREW. It needed lots of attention to keep it in check. Clearly, it was not the right plant for the right place. A few years later, while hedging it (again), I realized that this just couldn’t continue. But I was overwhelmed with guilt at the prospect of taking it out. Typically, I do not like removing a healthy tree unless it is not serving a garden or the gardener well. But on that particular day, I kept reminding myself that I had spent way too much time and energy trimming, pruning, bagging and tying up unwanted branches.

Hauling away the Hakuronishiki

My yard features plenty of plants, shrubs and trees that fit the space

My small, compact suburban yard is not the ideal space to grow large trees or shrubs. I had planted this tree back in the early days, before I knew better. As the tree grew and grew, so did my frustrations. The need to constantly hedge and prune it to “fit in” pushed me and my not-so-small overgrown tree over the edge. The work and waste created in one growing season was an ongoing concern; it was not a sustainable gardening practice. Nowhere near.

When I drove to the local waste and recycle management facility to dispose of the wilted willow piled in my trailer, I knew my decision was for the best. I had often visited the site – and still do – to dispose of yard waste for clients, and I’ve often pondered the enormity of the problem of the tons and tons of refuse that are poured into waste facilities every day – but this time, with this poor, rejected tree, it really got to me. I tried to imagine how much waste I’ve created in my lifetime. I knew I could do better.

I didn’t tell this story to make us all feel guilty. It was really to show how we continue to grow and learn.

As gardeners, we have many opportunities during the planning and designing process to lessen the need to send garden waste to the landfill. One of the most fundamental practices is selecting the right plant for the right place. It is important to know the growth habits of plants before purchasing them. You don’t want to end up with a ‘Hakuronishiki’ experience. The next time you go plant shopping, carefully read plant labels so constant pruning and hauling away waste will not consume your life and burden your local landfill.

A large part of sustainability is design. The wrong plant in the wrong place is one of the biggest mistakes we can make as gardeners. I had to learn to resist the urge to bring a plant into my garden simply because it looked gorgeous at the nursery. I had to give up ignoring or trying to manipulate the requirements for that plant to thrive, because it wasn’t going to thrive.

I learned over and over again that it’s not nice to fool Mother Nature. She always wins.

Strategies for Not Falling for the Wrong Plants at the Garden Center

Proper plant selection does not have to be a mystery or complicated if we do not get caught up in the beauty. It’s important to stay connected to practicality and purpose. Plant purchases are significant investments in your homes, gardens and your life. Careful planning will allow you to reap what you sow – literally.

Make sure you know your plant’s growth potential before planting

Below are things to think about before your next shopping trip and plant purchases. When you’re at the nursery, dazzled by the array to choose from, you’ll be glad you did your research beforehand.

Growth habit. Plants for home gardeners are typically sold in two- three- five- and ten-gallon containers – even for large trees and shrubs that will reach great heights and widths. You should not be confused or mislead by their enticing and attractive grow containers and petite size at the nursery. At the time of planting, position and install your new plantings based on its mature growth potential. The height and width at maturity (full grown) is on the plant label. It is very important to allow enough space for a plant to “fill in” – typically three years.

Plant characteristics. If you are looking for year-round interest, winter interest, seasonal bloomers, textures, or all of the above, research a plant’s characteristics to ensure you are getting what you want and serving your desired outcome.

Form. The shape of a plant in its container is a good indicator of the shape the plant will be years later. Examine the entire plant – front, back, sides – to ensure it will look attractive from all angles when planted. Make sure you’re showing off the plant’s “good side.”

Light requirement. This is so important and not to be compromised. Know how much sunlight you get in different areas of the garden. Something to consider when estimating the number of sunny hours in areas you want to plant. The angle of the sun changes with the seasons and a sunny area in spring (high sun angle) may no longer be sunny in fall (low sun angle) when longer shadows are cast from nearby trees and buildings.

Full sun: six or more hours of direct sun per day

Partial sun or partial shade: four to six hours of direct sun per day

Full shade: less than four hours of direct sun per day

These Coreopsis love sunlight

Heat and wind tolerance. What does that mean? An example: a plant that is susceptible to high levels of heat should not be planted in a southern exposure against a potentially hot material structure unless it can, in fact, bear extreme temperatures. Remember, material like stone and brick hold heat and can impact a plant significantly. There are many plants that are heat and/or wind tolerant; in contrast, there are many that are not.

Drought tolerance. If you garden in a drought-prone region, you need to know if plants can or cannot thrive there. Any good garden center in a drought-prone region should have a good selection of plants that will thrive there. But be aware that you could also see lots of good looking plants that won’t do well once you get them home. A little preshopping research will go a long way.

Soil preference. Plants that thrive in sandy loam will struggle in heavy clay conditions, and vice-versa. So it’s good to know your soil type and use soil amendments (or don’t) accordingly. When in doubt about what kind of soil you have, you might make a small investment in a do-it-yourself soil test kit, which will let you know the basic components and pH of your soil.

Most Hostas are shade lovers, with a few exceptions – and they come in a variety of colors

Plant shopping and trips to the garden center should never be overwhelming. If you do your homework first, the rewards are plentiful! Just don’t forget your shopping list!

Designing and planning gardens while shopping can be as dangerous (and as tempting) as food shopping with hunger pangs. Both should be avoided!

Instant Gratification: sometimes necessary but not always recommended

Sofia was a new client. She and her husband wanted immediate screening (privacy) in their backyard and did not want to wait one second longer. Aside from installing a privacy fence, a mass planting of evergreens was the most practical option for year-round coverage. I explained to the couple that over time the appropriately selected number of plants based on the design would fill in nicely, providing the privacy they wanted. But the operative words were “over time,” and the couple planned to reside at the home for less than five years. They didn’t want to wait for their privacy, so their preference was to plant as many evergreens as possible in the space, for immediate gratification and coverage. Yes, the evergreens will quickly achieve a lush look; they will also eventually become overgrown for the space. I will address the difference between lush and overgrown on page 52, and the consequences of overgrown gardens.

Evergreens provide privacy, but need time for growth

I understand the temptation and have experienced the same eagerness for immediate gratification many times myself. But the most satisfying and fulfilling part of second-half-of-life gardening is building into it the anticipation of what’s coming next. The beauty and reality Mother Nature delivers requires no hurrying, pushing or prodding. Waiting is a lovely way to capture and appreciate what is truly happening in a garden – patiently allowing for a plant to reach its maturity and potential in its own time. It’s a gardener’s reward for a job well done.

Three Sustainable Practices for a Garden in Sync with Nature

Here is a starter list of sustainable practices to make life simpler in the garden. I’ll dig deeper with you as we go along.

1. Reduce weeds by creating heavily planted garden beds. If you walk your gardens, you will notice weeds are usually prolific where plants are not growing. Amazingly, very few weeds grow under a plant. Don’t be shy – fill up your garden beds with the right plant in the right place. You’ll be pleased with the end result and how much time you have to spare! Concerned about overcrowding? Don’t be. There’s such a thing as “crowded but lush” (if that sounds like an oxymoron, I’ll show you what I mean on page 52).

2. Make the most of your water. We all know that water is a precious resource and getting more precious every day. A few ways to hold onto that water:

~ Concaved or flat garden beds. They soak up water very well, but steep garden beds do not. Here’s an example: Berms (raised garden beds) allow you to control the soil and drainage of a new garden bed, which is good. Steep berms (as seen here), however, are not good because water runs off and encourages erosion. Steep berms can be risky business because plants will not absorb the water necessary to develop healthy root systems. An ideal practice when building a berm is to flatten out the top so water can drain down through the soil and not run off. It is also a good practice to create a “mulch well” around newly planted trees and shrubs. The mulch well holds in the water, allowing it to drain down through the root system where it is needed.

~ Less lawn, more garden! Did you know lawns require far more resources than a well-designed, well-planted garden? I’ll have lots to say about lawns and lawn alternatives. I found this information from the EPA very surprising: “residential outdoor water use across the United States accounts for nearly nine billion gallons of water each day, mainly for landscape irrigation. The average U.S. household uses more water outdoors than most American homes use for showering and washing clothes combined.” Once a garden is established, it does not require constant watering, like lawns do – just saying!

~ Water harvesting. This is an excellent way to reduce water usage and costly water bills during the growing season. Water harvesting can have a major impact on the environment and is extremely beneficial to our natural waterways. The ultimate goal of water harvesting is to retain rainwater on your property and out of city storm drains. In the chapters that follow, I will share easy ways to harvest water, like the rainwater barrel above – every drop counts!

3. Replicate a natural forest ecosystem in your garden space. Nature is the expert; we should take more cues from her. We gardeners have the best of intentions, but sometimes less is more. Can you image blowing or raking leaves in the forest? I doubt that ever happens. On page 18, I share why I “leave the leaves,” and the benefits they provide to us, the ecosystem and wildlife.

A Sustainable Garden and Wildlife

One day I was relaxing in a favorite chair in my gardens enjoying the peaceful sound of flowing water in a nearby fountain. Out of nowhere, a sweet little black squirrel hopped onto the fountain and began drinking from it. He did not know I was there; I sat perfectly still so I would not startle him. And then he scurried off, belly full of water, thirst quenched as I watched with sheer joy and deep gratitude. In that moment, the squirrel unknowingly improved my life and wellbeing, and I hope I improved his, too, by providing him a place to rest and find water.

Simple moments like this remind me why I love and appreciate gardening. In fact, I enjoy the wildlife who visit my gardens as much as I do gardening. I believe that in order to have balance and harmony in the garden, we must be more accepting of what nature provides. It may sound cliché, but my second-half-of-life gardening philosophy is that there’s enough for everyone and everything. It’s about cultivating a generous spirit and working with nature, not against her. My gardens would have far less life and meaning without something flying, sitting, resting, drinking, eating or digging in it besides myself. And I include the squirrels, rabbits and other furred and feathered beings that I share my little piece of earth with.

I do not use, endorse or believe in poisonous or inhumane wildlife controls in the garden.

Squirrels are a part of backyard nature

A word about pesticides and herbicides: My theory is that any product that recommends you “suit up” to apply it and posts a sign to keep pregnant women, children and pets off for 24 hours can’t be good. Besides, wildlife can’t read. They don’t know to stay away. Herbicides used on lawns (weed killers) take a terrible toll on wildlife. More than seven million wild birds are estimated to die annually in the U.S. due to the use of lawn chemicals.

I know how frustrating it is to plant lovely spring bulbs, then watch the squirrels dig them up. So how do I rectify their sometimes-damaging (but necessary for survival) behavior? For the most part, I have surrendered. After years of planting spring bulbs, I no longer wait for an arrival that never happens. Thank you, squirrels. I don’t plant spring bulbs anymore; instead, I admire the beautiful displays others have planted. Now, I just throw a handful of nuts to the squirrels and enjoy watching them come close in growing trust. It’s easier that way.

When planting my vegetable gardens, I plant some for me and some for the wildlife. Each season I attempt to harvest strawberries but unfortunately (or fortunately) the wildlife beat me to my best crops. I have simply reconciled myself to their presence in my garden and understand that they belong there, too. Now, I head to the local farmers market, content that I can support the farmers and the wildlife. Most of all, I am flattered that these pesky but very entertaining critters like my choice of crops and that I am able to provide for them, too. If that sounds like a capitulation, maybe it is. But it’s an arrangement the critters, the garden and I can live with.

Sprinkle garlic powder on mature plants to deter rabbits

Plant what you love. If something eats it, be content knowing you contributed to their wellbeing. If they don’t eat one thing, they’ll find something else to munch on. Their playful antics or majestic beauty and presence are well worth it. As you know, a gardener’s work is never done. We (me and you) have been chosen to care for the earth, nature, and wildlife. It is our gift, it is our responsibility.

Our task must be to free ourselves… by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.

~ ALBERT EINSTEIN

Attracting beneficial wildlife is so easy: simply plant a garden. It does not have to be large. Even one small container filled with their favorites becomes an excellent food source and habitat for birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators. An online search will bring up lots of plant lists for various pollinator friends in different regions.

Some things you can do to welcome wildlife:

Give ‘em a place to call home. Worms, beetles and all kinds of insects will quickly take up residence in compost piles, and bins and rotting logs provide a natural habitat and food source. It’s a good thing. Don’t forget toads and frogs – nature’s champion insecticides! Toads eat many kinds of insects including snails, slugs, and beetles. One toad is capable of eating up to 1000 insects a day. Lay out a few rocks for these welcome garden guests. Turn a broken ceramic or terracotta pot over and use as a toad house. Let’s roll out the red carpet for these little guys!

Quench their thirst. Water is critical for the survival of all wildlife. Most wildlife die in winter due to lack of water, not food. A small birdbath, free-standing fountain or lovely pond is a wonderful way to attract a variety of wildlife. Keep water levels in birdbaths low (less than an inch); birds can’t swim.

Give ‘em shelter. Hedges, deciduous shrubs and evergreens provide food and shelter from predators and protect wildlife from harsh cold winters.

“Dear pollinators: You’re invited to a garden party!”

Plant pollination and the production of crops are highly dependent on the critical function of bees and butterflies. Environment America, a citizen-funded, state-based environmental advocacy organization, says, “Millions of bees are dying off, with alarming consequences for our environment and our food supply. We rely on bees to pollinate everything from almonds to strawberries to the hay used to feed dairy cows. What happens if the bees disappear? It’s simple: no bees, no food.”

Plant a Plant for the Bees:

Alyssum	Anise Hyssop	Bee Balm
Borage	Catmint	Coneflower
Cosmos	Dill	Goldenrod
Hollyhock	Lavender	Parsley
Poppy	Rosemary	Sage
Salvia	Sunflower	Thyme
Verbena	Yarrow	Zinnia

The continued existence of butterflies is critical, too. These gorgeous creatures are cherished visitors in the garden. American poet Robert Frost eloquently describes butterflies as “flowers that fly and all but sing.” One of the most recognizable of our butterflies is the majestic Monarch, and we’ve all heard the disturbing stories of their habitat loss as they make their incredible journey of migration. The good thing is that gardeners everywhere are responding by creating butterfly habitat stations for these long-distance beauties.

Did you know? Adult butterflies are attracted to red, yellow, orange, pink and purple blossoms that are flat-topped or clustered and have short flower tubes.

Attracting Monarch Butterflies to Your Garden

Here are four things you can do to attract Monarchs to your gardens, from my friend Kylee Baumle. She is a devoted advocate for Monarchs. Her latest book is The Monarch: Saving Our Most-Loved Butterfly.

Milkweed. Since milkweed (Asclepias spp.) plants are essential for a Monarch to raise their young, growing it increases your chances of attracting Monarchs to your garden. There are perennial varieties as well as annual ones and these can be grown in containers or in the ground. Consult with a local garden center to see which varieties grow best in your area.

Milkweed variety. Provide more than one kind of milkweed if you want Monarchs to lay eggs in your garden and not just visit it. Like people, Monarchs seem to have preferences for their “flavor” of milkweed. Some prefer swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata), while others flock to common milkweed (A. syriaca). By growing two or three different types, you’ll increase your chances of having Monarchs frequent your garden.

Host plants for nectar. Monarch butterflies also need host plants to provide nectar for nourishment and energy, especially if they’re migrating. A few of their favorites are zinnias, goldenrod, coreopsis, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, asters, blazing star (Liatris spp.), and bee balm (Monarda spp.)

Water. As Monarchs go about their day, they need water as well as food. Though nectar provides some, they will also seek out other water sources. You can provide this as easily as setting out a plate with water on it. The plate works best, rather than a bowl, because the water will be shallow and the dry edges of the plate provide a safe resting place for the Monarch to sit and sip.

Want to invite butterflies to your garden? Plant some zinnias, coneflowers, asters and more

A warning about pesticides: This seems intuitive, but be sure you aren’t sabotaging your efforts at attracting Monarchs (and other pollinators) to your garden by using pesticides. These can include fungal treatments as well as soil drenches, which can become incorporated into the actual plant. Spraying for mosquitoes will kill mosquitoes, but it can also kill butterflies and other beneficial insects. And just because something is organic doesn’t mean it’s harmless to Monarchs, so use with discretion.

Leave the Leaves

One day when I was playing in my garden, I bent down and picked up a handful of soil. It was a rich, black color and felt like gold in my hands; I knew it had everything to do with years of decayed fallen leaves. Hence its nickname: black gold.

The garden practice of leaving the leaves is exactly how it sounds. Literally, leave the leaves. Did you know leaving the leaves is one of the most beneficial, economical and easiest garden practices you’ll ever do? I stopped raking my fallen leaves years ago and I am glad I did. I’m sure the neighborhood thought I was crazy or neglecting a necessary city seasonal chore, but today I have the healthiest soil in town and you can, too!

Fallen leaves play a vital role in our ecosystem, they provide:

Food and shelter for wildlife

Fertilizer for soil

A place for bugs to overwinter

A natural weed suppressant

Nutrients to the soil

Protection for roots in winter

Want another reason to leave the leaves? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says: “[L]eaves and other yard debris account for more than 13 percent of the nation’s solid waste – a whopping 33 million tons a year.” Need one more reason to leave the leaves? National Wildlife Federation naturalist David Mizejewski says, “The less time you spend raking leaves, the more time you’ll have to enjoy the gorgeous fall weather and the wildlife that visits your garden.”

The simple practice of “leave the leaves” contributes significantly to the reduction of waste in landfills, and the health and wellbeing of our wildlife and ecosystem.

Warning: turning in your rake and breaking the habit may be easier said than done. But after a season of no raking, you and Mother Nature will be glad you did!