Garden enthusiast and author Carole Ottesen grows numerous native perennials and grasses in free-flowing flower beds. She believes simplicity is the recipe for success in gardening and that gardeners should let nature take its course. Carole recommends choosing native plants for garden use. Such plants have supported themselves for centuries in their native habitat and are well-acclimated to its weather conditions, insects and diseases. Carole's garden has a graceful, understated design that reflects the garden's natural surroundings. Among the species native to the Potomac region are obedient plant (Physostegia virginiana) (figure A) and rough-stemmed goldenrod (Solidago rugosa , cultivar 'Fireworks'). Both make beautiful flower arrangements. Some of Carole's other native favorites are turtlehead (Chelone lyonii), perfect for wet spots in the garden, and pokeweed (Phytolacca americana), a dramatic plant that's poisonous to people but not to birds.
Carole believes that trial and error is the best way to learn which plants will thrive in your garden. Read seed catalogs and garden books for general guidelines, and observe neighbors' gardens to see which plants are flourishing. And remember that making mistakes is part of growing a garden. Carole made a big mistake, she says, when she planted a star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) in her back yard. Although nurseries in the area sell the tree, it isn't well-suited to the region because late frosts tend to nip it. Sweet bay (Magnolia virginiana), on the other hand, is an excellent choice: it doesn't bloom until June, so its blossoms are never harmed by cold snaps. Keeping dogs adds to the challenge of garden maintenance. To prevent her dogs from tramping through her plantings, Carole has provided them with electric dog collars--the perfect solution for people who love both their dogs and their gardens. If the thought of mowing the lawn every week seems overwhelming, consider an attractive, low-maintenance groundcover. Ferns, moss (figure B), ornamental grasses and pathways are ideal choices for reducing the amount of grass that must be tended. Mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus), for example, is a good groundcover for a slope that is difficult to mow. Ornamental grasses provide year-round enhancement in a garden: when they go dormant in winter, their bright orange and rich brown hues give the garden color and create textural interest.
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