Sleepy Hollow, NY

Front Yard Pollinator Garden

SEPTEMBER 2024 — This is a kind of a tough spot to plant, with dry soil and lots of shade under a big Oak tree. Anything we plant will have to compete with the tree’s dense root system and tolerate both shade and drought. That limits the palette, which makes for an interesting challenge.

The planting plan centered on woodland perennials & shrubs which would be at home under an Oak tree. Northern Spicebush, Mapleleaf Viburnum and Fragrant Sumac form the backbone, with Cardinal Flower, Bluestemmed Goldenrod, a few varieties of Aster, and lots of native ferns and ground covers bringing a range of color and texture.

Shade gardens are slower to grow in, so planting in fall will give this garden a big head start. Can’t wait to see how it looks next year!