As some of you may recall, this area in the pool garden has been a challenge from day one. First, we had to start by tearing out the nasty Scandinavian shrub pines, then the groundcover and the rampant wisteria. I thought I had a bright idea and planted English roses and it turns out the area was too shady for them. They grew moldy and had to be torn out not once, but twice. Yes, I can be stubborn. This year I moved the roses down to the long walk area and went with pollinator favorites like dwarf butterfly bushes, wild berry coneflower and lover’s kiss veronica. Next year I will plant a really nice groundcover like periwinkle to match the rest of the butterfly garden. These plants should be low maintenance and work in those conditions.
Gardening, I have discovered is a lot of trial and error...and learning...and patience. If you just pay attention plants will tell you what they like and don't like. Luckily I have friends who enjoy it as much as I do.