Calhoun County, AL – When I first stood in my backyard, I found myself face-to-face with two majestic maple trees, each more than 100 years old. Aside from those beautiful old trees, the yard was essentially a blank canvas. There was no landscaping and very little shade beyond what the maples provided, but there was endless potential.
As a passionate gardener, I followed what many gardeners might consider a natural first instinct: fill the space with as many bulbs, rhizomes, corms and tubers as possible.
Fortunately, local farmers helped make that possible. During their annual digging and separating season, I was able to collect dozens of black plastic bags filled with garden treasures — completely free. Lilies and irises in nearly every color became the framework for my vision.
I used their foliage to help define the borders of raised beds and in-ground garden islands throughout the yard. Once I saw how well those plants thrived, I knew it was time to move on to the next phase.
I invested in a dozen elephant ear bulbs. Over the course of seven years, those original 12 bulbs have multiplied into hundreds, and I’ve now planted them in nearly every corner of my yard.
Through trial and error, I’ve learned a great deal about where they grow best. Elephant ears planted in full sun may struggle, but they still continue to produce offspring. I’ve had success placing the more sun-exposed plants beneath the edges of shrubs, which provide umbrella-like protection from the harshest rays. Those planted in shade, however, truly flourish. Their leaves grow larger, and they seem especially happy in the naturally wetter areas of the yard.
Once I had established a strong foundation of greenery, I began looking upward.
Obelisks and trellises added vertical interest to the landscape and became perfect supports for climbing clematis vines. The dry-root starters I planted years ago continue to return each spring, producing stronger vines and beautiful blooms year after year.
Along the way, I’ve also learned the importance of repetition in landscaping. I like to plant my favorites in groups, repeating colors, textures and varieties throughout the yard to create a cohesive design.
At the same time, every garden needs a few surprises. I always leave room for standout plants — those unique specimens that become natural centerpieces, capture attention and give a garden its own personality.
My garden is still growing and still evolving. I’m constantly drawing new plans and diagrams, imagining what I can add, move or improve next.
The accompanying photos show different stages of that journey and just how much a landscape can change with a little vision, some patience — and a whole lot of digging.
Betty Clark is a contributing writer. She has been an organic gardener since 1998. The signature flower she grows is Dahlias. She has a straw bale garden, a raised bed garden, and an in-ground garden. Both her surnames are from agricultural farming families (8 generations). Her hobbies include ancestry research, antiques, continued education classes, and workshops. She also has a background in marketing & promotions, including expos. To contact Betty Clark with gardening questions: bettyclark2151959@gmail.com
