Landscapes in Progress - September 20, 2025

Ann's Garden (Garden #1)

Over the last ten years, I’ve dedicated my efforts to eradicating invasive species and reimagining my lawn into what I call my Native Plant Cottage Garden. This space features a variety of raised and terraced beds, all filled with drought-tolerant native plants that bloom across three seasons. My primary focus has been on incorporating butterfly caterpillar food plants in the form of trees and shrubs in the understory and herbaceous perennials in sunny spots. The late fall bloomers, like asters and goldenrods, are essential in my garden: they ensure nectar is available through Thanksgiving. By allowing plants to go to seed each year, I foster processes that enhance the garden’s ecosystem, manage stormwater from winter rains, and support butterfly populations in my arid, rocky yard on Lookout Mountain, Tennessee.