Around the House
South Bed
Note: Most sun on property. Best-performing bed overall, though clay/rock soil causes tall species to flop in first year.
West Bed
Note: Plan to outline with fieldstone and replant after clearing invasives.
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Porch Pocket
Note: Most deer-protected spot on property — can plant deer-vulnerable species here.
Stoop Garden
Note: High visibility bed. Butterfly milkweed fails here (clay). Recently planted (Apr 2026).
Stone Ring
Note: Sunnier to south, shaded to SW. Shagbark hickory just north (not inside ring).
Porch North Bed
Note: Fieldstone-and-moss path runs alongside.
Front / North Slope
The Roadside
Note: White pine at driveway junction. Deciduous oaks overhead. Woodland phlox thriving here.
The Septic Lawn
Note: Convert to shallow-rooted native meadow. NO deep-rooted plants (septic field below).
The Driveway Edge
Note: Under massive old oak and shagbark hickory. Solomon's seal already thriving naturally.
Pond — Lower West
Note: NEEDS EXCAVATION — rip plastic liner and dig 8–10" pockets for plants. NOT READY YET.
Pond — Lower East
Note: Same excavation needed. Signs of life already (volunteers appearing). Lower East shows more promise than West.
Pond — Dogwood Bed
Note: Shaded by flowering dogwood in summer. Clear non-native plants first. Water lilies on east side of top pool (sunnier).
Forest Edges
The South Edge
Note: Deer-proof plants ONLY. Swamp milkweed failed here (not enough light). Being cleared.
The East Edge
Note: Same deer-resistant palette as South Edge. Trees block early-morning sun, but plants get hit from late morning through afternoon.
The Meadow Edge
Note: BEST DRAINAGE on property (NOT clay). Only spot where butterfly milkweed thrives. Deer-proof plants only.
The Woodland Slope
Note: Interior woodland with mix of deciduous and coniferous canopy. Rich forest floor naturally supports shade plantings.
Woodland Slope Roadside
Note: Steep last 10 feet before road. Erosion control priority with shallow-rooted natives.
West Edge — North
Note: NOT READY — invasive plants must be cleared first before planting.
West Edge — House
Note: Plan to build fieldstone-and-moss path here. Transitional area between house and forest.
West Edge — Sun
Note: MOST SUCCESSFUL planting area on entire property! Swamp milkweed thriving (~24 plants). Keep building on this success.
West Edge — South
Note: Behind the shed, along forest edge. Partial shade location with forest shelter.