Today we’re visiting with Rachel, a gardener and artist living in Elgin, Illinois (Zone 5b). She moved in 2022 to 1.5 acres and is in the process of designing and planting a fabulous front garden. She’s also diving into forest restoration for the back half-acre—making it beautiful for wildlife and her kiddos.
Returning to Chris’s Pennsylvania Garden
20.09.2023 - 10:31 / finegardening.com / GPOD Contributor
We’re back today in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania, where Chris has, over the past few years, transformed his mostly empty yard into a lush, beautiful garden.
Chris poses with his huge stand of sunflowers (Helianthus annuus, annual). These are so easy to grow, so beautiful, and so great for local wildlife.
There aren’t just plants in the garden—the deck is loaded down with containers as well! It looks like most of these will come inside for the winter and live as houseplants.
Beautiful marigolds (Tagetes patula, annual) line the walkway. It’s hard to beat marigolds for easy color all summer long. They have no serious pests or diseases, are a North American native, are easy to grow from seed, and are just beautiful.
Farther down the walk we see delicate clouds of purple petunias and a towering Datura (annual) with large, white, trumpet-shaped blooms.
I love the way the tall rose bush and other plants make this path feel like a magical tunnel.
A birdbath is tucked in amid the abundant flowers. Birdbaths are enjoyed by birds, of course, but many other animals will drink out of them as well, including bees and other pollinators.
A study in pink, with a huge hardy hibiscus taking center stage
A cute little salamander checks out the garden. Amphibians such as salamanders and frogs are often very sensitive to pesticides, as they easily absorb chemicals through their skin. Seeing them thriving in a garden is a good sign that it is a safe place for native wildlife.
Another look at the marigolds—such a great plant that asks for so little and gives so many flowers in return!
Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!
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