This Bedford, NH garden has been one of our most challenging — and rewarding — experiments with nature.
For three years, we have been searching for the perfect ground cover perennials that could thrive in this mysterious backyard area. The space is nearly 80 feet long by 8 feet wide, surrounded by trees, rocks, shade, and constantly changing growing conditions.
After two previous attempts didn’t create the look we wanted, I said… enough is enough — time to work with nature instead of against it.
For planting #3 (which we did free of charge for our client), I selected six tough, aggressive, “weedy” perennials. These are the plants gardeners love because they spread quickly, fill difficult spaces, and bring incredible texture and color where other plants struggle.
Within just a month the transformation began.
Our client called and said,
“Oh my goodness, they’re all spreading so nicely… I love the WEEDS!!”
Sometimes the best gardens come from finding the right plant for the right place. This once difficult shady area is now becoming a natural woodland garden filled with life, movement, and color. 🌱🌿
At Greenleaf’s Garden Design, we don’t give up on gardens — we figure them out. 🍃