I am Char Barnes, and I have been gardening at the same southwestern Connecticut house for more than twenty years. During that time it has gone from a neglected plot to a picturesque garden with paths and curved beds loaded with flowers. I have planted trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals.
Everything on this site is based on my personal experience and opinion, and I have plenty of both.
The plants have all been chosen to create a tapestry of color and texture throughout the entire year. This border will be viewed everyday by the family members and all visitors, and this border will delight with vigor and seasonality. Some of the plants are difficult to find, but they will thrive in this environment and their seasonal flowers and unique leaves will become favorites.
Stunning flowers grace the grass like foliage in June. Despite their relative obscurity and exotic beauty, these plants are incredibly easy to grow.
They grow taller and more floriferous each year.
Despite the pretty flowers, the main attraction of this plant is the striking evergreen(-ish) foliage.
This is a versatile evergreen shrub. The female form has winter berries, while the male plant has winter flowers.
Tall and graceful, this conifer will give some privacy without making you feel "hedged-in".
This plant's beautiful gold specked leaves adorn its upright form.
The lovely chains of small white bells adorn this plant in early spring, before most rhodos and azaleas. The beautiful variegation of the smaller leaves will add texture and a slightly cooler tone to the evergreen border.
Among rhodos, this dark red is a standout.
This is a beautiful form of the native Connecticut state flower. The buds are deeper red and the flowers are a perfect clear pink. Kalmias bloom in early summer, usually when the rhodos have finished.
These are relatively new to the market. In addition to the typical abundant May bloom of azaleas, these produce more flowers throughout the summer. They come in several colors, they are easy to get, and they rebloom: you're a masochist if you don't include these.
A great native tree with long lasting flowers and great fall color.
Magnolia grandiflora. Warmer weather and heartier hybrids make this southern beauty a very reliable performer.
Huge, scented, and beautiful.
The individual flowers are very showy, but they are about the size of an apricot, giving this deciduous hedge a showy yet sophisticated look in late summer. It flowers better in full sun, but the hedge will have a lush, consistent look in sun to partial shade.
Beautiful, persistent leaves will echo the heuchera underplanting the iris ensata.
The perfect evergreen shrub with winter interest echoes the juniper underplanting.
Stunning and very exotic orchid like flowers on a graceful, arching plant.
Early spring flowers adorn evergreen, divided foliage. These plants are beginning to gain the recognition and popularity they deserve.
Charming orange speckled flowers dance over blade like foliage. Their orange blooms come during the hottest times when little else is blooming. The seed heads are very persistent and look exactly like blackberries. They are not long lived, but they self seed enthusiastically.
This old-fashioned plant has soft grey leaves that are evergreen. It is a common edging plant in full sun, but it grows very well in the shade and adds a soft light color.
Evergreen and very healthy, this grassy foliage adds brightness to the border. The chartreuse leaves are complimented by soft purple flowers in August.
This beautiful shrub will add height, structure, and color to the border. Its virtues also serve it well in the broadleafed evergreen planting in the back garden.
This native beauty would be much more popular if it were easier to propagate. Its stunning, abundant flowers are truly unique and inspire wonder in July.