The understory of a 40 ft white pine is the canvas for dozens of native plants providing blooms throughout the year

What was once great will turn to ruin, and what has degenerated with time will be renewed again. Such was the case with an empty house on an old family farm in southwest Louisville, KY. Family members moved away, elders passed on, and an empty house that was once decorated with landscapes of flowers and ivy trellises, carefully planted trees, a courtyard and pool deck… was to become overrun with woody shrubs and aggressive plants that managed to evade the lawn care crews.

…that is, until I came along! Having cleared a 500 sq foot area under a pine tree, pruned up a neatly planted row of hollies and removed a dozen or more ivy invaders throwing shade, the only question was… which natives to plant? There were advantages: a convenient road drainage ditch and a few sinks provided moisture, and the positioning was excellent for sun exposure through the massive tree limbs. The result is a season long display of native wildflower blooms and greened up ferns and perennials.