The Family Garden

This garden is a resilient, naturalistic sanctuary designed to complement our family's bustling driveway—a multi-purpose space for basketball games, trailer parking, and lively gatherings with family and friends. These garden beds endure constant activity and always bounce back, showcasing the strength and adaptability of native plants.

The design prioritizes minimal maintenance and sustainability. The plant palette includes drought-tolerant and winter-hardy species with deep root systems, ensuring the garden thrives with little watering or intervention. Each layer of planting contributes to year-round interest, beginning with bulbs in early spring, followed by foundational grasses and perennials that bloom sequentially through spring, summer, and fall.

In early spring, Gene takes the mower, set to its highest setting, to rejuvenate the garden. By mulching the stems and leaves directly into the beds, this practical approach creates a nutrient-rich, organic layer that seamlessly integrates into the ecosystem. This practice not only nourishes the soil but also reinforces the garden's naturalistic ethos.

The result is a dynamic, self-sustaining garden that celebrates the beauty and resilience of native plants while harmonizing with the energy and practicality of our family's lifestyle.