Diversify, Grow Fairly, and Include

Why do owners surround homes with vegetative growth? It requires hours of weekly maintenance, even during off season. New housing developers clear cut lots; buyers badly place baby bushes to hide shock of concrete and vinyl schlock. Mature plantings seldom increase purchase value. Any exhilaration from communing with nature will likely be buzz killed by backaches and bug bites, but plants do support bees and beneficial beasties, while tall shrubs and trees offer safe roosts for birdies. Expect feral cats to prowl grounds all the more; visiting chipmunks, possums, raccoons, skunks, and squirrels make for veritable menageries.

Of course, rewards come in delicate perfumes, leafy textures, privacy barriers, ripe produce, sensational delights, softened architecture, and stunning colors from weeks of rotating blooms. Yardening creates scenery worth enjoying while riding outdoors. Some gardens are for good citizens to share with grateful passers-by and spruce up neighborhoods you occupy; others suit families and invitees as private sanctuaries. Either way, a farm or garden beats streets, cools heat, and generates oxygen for cautionary canaries.

Upon arrival, except for a half dead hedgerow, a handful of struggling bushes, and one old Mulberry (Morus) tree that demanded removal, yard was bare ground surrounded by chainlink fence despoiled as a dog kennel beside a half dirt driveway from hell. Mulberry symbolizes eternal rest, since they once made caskets for the dead from its slow-to-rot wood. Indeed, stump persists after nearly a half century. Took decades of weekend dread to transform into hearty unbroken hedge, individual pocket patches, trees that don’t drop dead, and varied shrubbery batches. No choice, mulberry's dense spread of permanent surface roots meant each flower bed had to be raised instead.

A construction phase commenced to repaint house siding and trim, replace all windows, repave driveway in cement, reorganize entrances and fences, and reroof structures while hatching ambitious yard plans and wrapping old shrubs against collateral damage. Laid bricks, cobblestones, pavers, and pressure treated lumber to define beds, patio and sidewalks. Over 100 diverse species of plants gradually filled 15 separate plots, though annuals and bulbs got crowded out or deported elsewhere by existing and introduced perennials and shrubs over decades. San Jose and standardized Junipers (Juniperus) were thus lost. Fruit trees caused excessive shade and left windfall litter that drew vermin, so were felled; success of home orchards relies too much on some unhealthy pesticide. Despite all species they include, gardeners will never be satisfied.

This pictorial [click on pictures to enlarge] chronicles a year of glories ephemeral. Plants have own life stories, even arborescent personalities, not just sitting around expecting charities. If you study them, you might notice their quiet progression, random textures, spring under snow load, subtle differences over time, and sway dance in wind. Historic droughts from which greenery greatly suffered, and this yard is still recovering, hit Rhode Island in 2020 and 2022. A beloved 40 year old Buddleia bush (B. davidii) by back door didn’t survive, though it surpassed its typical 35 years alive. Butterflies and mantids hardly visit anymore; miss its understated smell, like brewed tea to which it might be related, rumors tell. Spot has now been overgrown with Morning Glories (Ipomoea tricolor), an annual twining weed with blossoms every July from hallucinogenic self reseed.

New Year’s blizzard blankets New England Zone 7 backyard and curtails progress through January.  Should take care where you pile shoveled snow, especially from street with melting chemicals and salts that might harm dormant plants and soil.

Few plants flower in February like native Witch Hazel (Hamamelis virginiana), with its chartreuse to yellow ribbony petals and handsome leaves. Of interest to herbalists and wheelmen, it’s been used since colonial days to produce anti-inflammatory balms and ointments, including Pond’s Extract. Mark Twain’s famous, humorous essay about learning how to ride an ordinary, Taming the Bicycle, strongly recommended stocking up and slathering on Pond’s Extract beforehand.

In early March, century-old English Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) was in want of refurbishment more than routine pruning, so went carefully through entire 100 feet along eastern property line. Lopped off top third, pulled out broken limbs and dead trunks, some 3 inches in diameter, and stacked high; lawn up to hips, took days to trim and bundle and many trips for curbside disposal. Although a rented wood chipper might have turned it all into desirable mulch, still have fingers and hands might divulge. About 40 years ago introduced new canes to fill gaps in hedgerow, but replacements turned out to be French Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium) with similar growth habits, slightly lighter foliage, and stronger leaf retention through winter. Both begin to bloom inconspicuously in June with a tiny white treelike florescence. Unless you sheer 4 times a year, this invasive bower will soon tower 15 feet in height with 8 feet in width, with see-through holes down low defeating purpose as a screen that envelopes metal fences.

Late March to early April, Crocus (Safran) signals temperatures suitable for bicycling; nowadays some ride throughout winter given climate change and ice free roads. Siberian yellow variety pokes through melt and precedes common blue and white flower species. Seldom does it snow after this frost free clue. Corms of one cultivar are buried in huge masses, brought to bloom, and harvested for Saffron spice, by weight precious beyond diamonds or gold in value.

April ground covers reliably return as evergreen Periwinkles (Vinca minor) burst with dainty blue beneath now gone Apple tree weeks before Lilies-of-the-Valley (Convallaria majalis, aka May Bells or Virgin’s Tears) in background deliver their distinctive poisonous perfume that polarizes opinions, since its smell is often likened to Raid bug spray.

Early May, Tulip (Tulipa) draws eye as periwinkles petals die. Tulips don't reliably return, because bulbs are food for rodents. As a mnemonic Calvinists remind themselves that faith ranges from Total depravity to Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and Perseverance of the saints. Tulipmania spread from Persia through Europe's Lowlands, where pursued particularly in the 17th Century with compulsive monoculture and obsessive prices for rare cultivars.

Cut Tulips come inside to brighten dining table, while occupants yearn for fewer showers and May flowers.

May is a busy month with this coral Flowering Quince (Chaenomeles japonica) on display among many spring bloomers. Quince bushes, like lemons and other fruits, brandish sharp spines, so protect southern border from intruders along with thorny roses. Inedible but interesting fruits resemble small Asian pears. Color seems to vary from pink to orange depending upon amount of rain, sunshine, and warmth preceding bloom.

Meanwhile, Chives (Allium schoenoprasum) burst into pinkish buttons. They’re deadheaded and grow continually through Fall as a oniony herb. Beside old Common Sage (Salvia officinalis) and Oregano (Origanum vulgare, aka Wild Marjoram), rest of bed gets filled with annual herbs, such as Basil, Mint or Parsley.

Crabapple (Malus, Radiant) reliably bursts into a spectacular magenta display every May before perennial border flowers begin to bud, but will be all but bare by August. Evergreen English Ivy entwining lamp post is an invasive vine that will envelope planet without remorse. It climbs wherever it wants, not where you’d assume it would, of course, and races to fill bare ground, perhaps arguing that nature really does abhor a vacuum.

Later in May, Bearded Irises (Iris germanica) with fragrance of Concord grapes, precede Daylilies (Hemerocallis fulva, Tiger lilies). Other plants that occupied this small sunny triangle include Coneflowers, Hollyhocks, and Rue.

May also sees PJM Rhododendron brighten front foundation above a Conklin limestone henge and whitestone wash ahead of other spring flowering understory. Boxwood (Buxus) behind and Globe Arborvitae (Thuja occidentalis) on right were likely planted soon after house was built a century ago. Enormous Euonymus (E. japonicus) on left and low trimmed Common Holly (Ilex aquifolium) in front are half as old. Boxwoods are especially admired, exude a camphor scent during heatwaves, live long, but resent hard pruning.

Trailing PJM, a Common Rhododendron nursed back from near death burst into big bloom behind nonagenarian brother, Globe Arborvitae (Thuja). In Nepal and Northern India they revere Rhododendrons, make jewelry and necklaces, even tisane from blossoms, though they are somewhat psychotropic and toxic and symbolize danger.  Meadowsweet (Spiraea japonica) in foreground is, again, half as old, and blooms in early June, then in August; a real performer, it sports chartreuse foliage in spring, moss green in summer, and reddish orange in fall, and tolerates severe pruning, thus keeping sidewalk open.

A much bigger Rhododendron out back usually has a profusion of lavender bloom, but just beginning to recover from 2022 drought and severe pruning of many dead branches. Several peonies that went dormant haven’t bloomed since despite robust leaf growth. Japanese Yew (Taxus cuspidata) surrounds its hips, with a bed of Pachysandra (Japanese Spurge) at its feet with its inconspicuous white bloom similar to privet. Tibetan Cotoneaster (C. conspicuus), barely visible behind on left, moved there from a poor street side location, now thrives under White Fir.

This newly sodded Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis) lawn is framed by Peonies, Rhododendron, and Wisteria. Planted and plowed under Winter Rye to condition soil when first recovered dog runs. Lawns improve environment and sequester carbon. Only agronomists with a chemical arsenal know how to keep a lawn weed free. Chickweed, Clover, Crabgrass, Dandelion, Plantain, and Purslane spread sideways in July to smother good grass stolens. Enjoy lawn, feed it, mow it not more than half its height or shorter than 3", remember to water 4" deep every 3 to 5 days, rip it up, start over.

A gorgeous, surreal, short term Tree Peony (Paeonia) blossom in late May is not AI, rather the real deal. Long known as "The King of the Flowers" in China, it's Taiwan's national blossom, whereas modern PRC has no such sentimental designation but produces the most bicycles every year. 

Electric pink herbaceous Peonies avoid droops with wire hoops and occupy same bed along with a wave of small pink Cranesbill (True Geraniums).

Same holds true for these pale pink Peonies, pretty puffballs. Striking dark green foliage is quietly attractive after petals pass. Tempermental, they can live for centuries but might not bloom every year.

June offers up an abundance of red floribunda Roses (Rosa) on one side of driveway, though it must be held back with wire or you can’t drive by. Roses are gross feeders, so require a fertilization program to thrive. They should bloom repeatedly into August, but seldom do. By mid-July, glory has gone to briar.

June also has newly introduced climbing white Roses (Rosa)  protecting southwest corner on a training trellis. Didn't Bob and Jerry sing, “I don't know, it Must Have Been De Rosa.”

Abelia (Caprifoliaceae), a family favorite, is related to honeysuckle. Hummingbirds love it, too. Flowers emerge in June but last sometimes into November. First introduced on southern border over 40 years ago behind Rhododendron, it nearly failed when soon overshadowed. So rescued it to a dry, indirectly lit corner of house and watered whenever. It took to dappled shade and relative neglect and thrived on this second chance, surpassing 3 by 3 foot spread and 30 year expectancy.

Ever popular Hydrangea (H. macrophylla) blooms emerge by July and last well into autumn. This mound of reliable pompoms will range from blue, through purple to pink, occasionally even pale greenish or tartan cloth toward end of season. Acid soil causes blue color, alkali pink, neutral purple, like a litmus test. Could be the oldest plant on property. Name means “water vessel”. It's happy in afternoon shade next to a downspout with plenty of rainwater.

July has Campanula (C. rapunculoides), Coneflowers (Echinacea purpurea), False Sunflowers (Heliopsis helianthoides), Lilies (Lilium), and Sedum in street side border, succeeding spent Irises, Peonies, Tulips, and Vinca and awaiting Hosta and white English Phlox. Same border once held Coleus and Impatiens, then Dahlias and Lamb’s Ear, following attempts at Artemisia absinthium, Astilbe, Centurea Montana, Columbine, and Speedwell, all allegedly shade tolerant, but nothing survives darkness or surface roots like demon Bittersweet or Poison Ivy.

Biennial Hollyhocks (Alcea) deserve more recognition for their dramatic foliage, Hibicus like bloom, impressive height, and wide spread, but only perform every other year under ideal conditions. Such specimens take up a massive footprint; some gardeners aren't happy with fewer species, thus their focus on succession plantings.

A potted Pelargonium (aka geranium) or other such flowers can fill dull spots or sit on a bench with powers to deter harmful insects, such as mosquitoes. Nice pots are small plots that solve problems. Annuals otherwise get lost in perennial beds.

Mid-summer this 50 foot tall White Fir (Abies concolor) in southeast corner tries to reach a rainbow sun dog. Started as an indoor Christmas tree, was replanted in a pre-dug hole 40 years ago to replace Mulberry, now neighborhood’s tallest specimen. "Ombra mai fu - Never was a shade of any plant dearer and more lovely, or more sweet." Downside is everything but Bittersweet, Cotoneaster, and Ivy vines died beneath it. Unsuccessfully tried Azaleas (Rhododenron var.), Lilacs (Syringa), and Viburnum (V. davidii). Got Wisteria (W. japonica) hedge in foreground to bloom only once. Only kept in bounds by power trimming bimonthly, it would take over entire city block; ate into garage slab and tore up siding, but otherwise makes a fine privacy screen.

Throughout summer, 40 year old Common Sage and Oregano are often accompanied by Basil, Chives, Garlic, Lady's Mantle, Lavender, Lemon Balm, Marjoram, Parsley, Peppermint, Tarragon, Thai Basil, and/or Tulsi. Reminds one of Zane Gray’s Riders of the Purple Sage, though polygamy book has nothing to do with culinary herbs or cycle spins. Smudging with sage smoke supposedly rids spaces of evil spirits. Beyond improving taste in certain recipes, herbs have too many anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties to ignore. Dig, set, and forget; they prefer loose, poor soil, and relative neglect.

Mid-July sees Cutleaf Coneflowers (Rudbeckia laciniata) succeeding Irises, Rue, and Tiger Lillies. All were introduced within last decade from charity plant sales.

Meanwhile, one sees these Hostas (H. capitata) with their broad leaves and tall scapes everywhere during July, though they do offer numerous but uncommon cultivars among 20 species that persist in shade where other plants won't. Native to Japan, Kamchatka (northeast Russia), and Korea, this symbol of tranquility serves to summon peace and resilience in a cosmopolitan botanical collection. 

Mid-August, Don Juan Rose buds have gone, Ferns and Hostas hang on, and Swamp Mallow begins. Potted dwarf Teddy Bear Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus) bring yellow cheer as if a Van Gogh still life. Somewhere behind, Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) sports golden button blossoms; they used to pack coffins with toxic Tansy to repel insects. Jack Daniel would muddle its anthelmintic leaves with sugar in his authentic whiskey, instead of mint as a julip, to deworm and treat rheumatism.

Mid-August, dramatic Swamp Rosemallow (Hibicus grandiflorus) flourishes above timid Obedient Plant (Physostegia virginiana), cousin to Mint. Native to American south, both attract hummingbirds. Herbs and Hibicus are among property's few culinary and medicinal plantings. Hinduism deems Asian Hibicus sacred to Ganesha and Kali. Obedient Plant flowers, pushed to one side, stay there, but not because they are devotees cowered by doctrine. 

October potted Mums (Chrysanthemum indicum) hang on for another month, but peonies are now toast. Cultivated for over a millennium, cheerful Chrysanthemum was the symbol of imperial Japanese throne. Good omen for fall, they symbolize joy, longevity, optimism, positivity, prosperity, rebirth, and such, though they are toxic to canine antagonists of avid cyclists. 

By Late-October, Norway Maple (Acer platanoides) and White Oak (Quercus alba) typically show yellow and bronze foliage, respectively. Tall trees are better placed at back of property, not near cable and power lines, though dwarf ornamentals appeal curbside. Branches thrashing in gales and leaves filling rain gutters cause damage. Shade trees lined many roads before so many utilities carved their way through canopies. Having ridden on an elephant and sanded hardwoods, always say pachyderm musk and oak dust smell alike, though poets differentiate as honey versus vanilla. They tap orange leaved Sugar Maples (Acer saccharum) in February to make syrup delicacy.

November graupel pelts recently raked, still green lawn next to withered Hydrangea. Soon will snip some sprigs of Sage for Thanksgiving, then Holly for Christmas decorations, perhaps a fir bough for a wreath.

Other biologists argue that introducing foreign plants can crowd out native species evolved by nature over eons for local environment. Conversely, adaptations and hybridizations answered food demands and delivered obvious benefits. Have to wonder how so many plants broadly available, generally over-planted, kept mainly for decorative purposes, but as toxic to humans as the garden of Doctor Rappaccini, can yield positive outcomes. Yet jungle biodiversity including carnivorous plants defends turf far more fiercely. Vegetative life fighting for space and growing fairly upon rot underfoot keeps oblivious humans alive, despite administration indifference, capitalist exploitation, political bickering, and unresolved problems. Authoritarian dictators care only for own rapacity, not tomorrow's sustainability.