Calhoun County, AL – Seven years ago, I faced a challenge in my yard—a stubborn patch of white, milky churt. Too hard for a shovel or tiller, the area seemed impossible to work with. Yet, what began as a frustration turned into an opportunity when a hole dug with a front loader scoop became a natural water bowl for plants.
Into this unlikely space, I planted seven knee-high yuccas. Over the years, those original seven have grown into towering giants, reaching over nine feet tall. Each summer they reward me with their dramatic pineapple-like clusters of white blooms. Even better, they produced more than thirty offshoots, which I transplanted to expand the design into a rhythmic pattern. With boulders, lava rocks, and natural stone added, the space transformed into a striking yucca island.
A year and a half ago, I extended the project, creating a landscaped pathway between the Yucca Island and a 1965 shed. This sunny corridor opened up new opportunities for sun-loving perennials. I planted Sunshine Privet shrubs, Fire Sedums, Black Cherry Crepe Myrtle, Red and Picasso Canna Lilies, rosemary, Orange Lucifers, Blanketflowers, Zebra Grass, Scarlet Flame Zinnias, Golden Candlesticks, wild yellow hybrid hibiscus, and various annuals. A rebar-and-cable-wire trellis supports vibrant dahlias, while the back edge of the path doubles as a vegetable patch.
This summer, Peaches & Cream corn produced a healthy yield, while late-season tomato varieties and Big Boy cowpeas thrived in the extra sun. Nearby, 12-foot rose bushes tower above, anchoring the pathway with bursts of color.
As the season winds down, I prepare for winter by covering tender plants with pine straw and laying weed-block fabric to protect the soil from stray seeds. Looking ahead to spring 2026, I’m eager to see the pathway more mature, seasoned, and ready for a fresh round of sun-loving vegetables. I also plan to add garden art to enhance the charm.
This project reminds me that overlooked or difficult spaces often hold hidden potential. Whether it’s a shaded corner, a patch of sun, or an unworkable strip of soil, every yard offers creative opportunities. Gardening is more than planting—it’s an evolving art form.
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
