This garden is a classic case study in taking full advantage of microclimates and filling them with a seemingly impossible array of diverse plants. The front garden faces east and is bisected by a low stucco wall that creates a sense of enclosure. Most of this area is in full view of passersby. The back garden ranges from cool and shady to a roasting south slope, with multiple zones in between. 

Outside the front wall – Hot, sunny, no irrigation

The terra-cotta hardscape and plants like yuccas (Yucca spp. and cvs., Zones 4-11) and lavenders (Lavandula spp. and cvs., USDA Hardiness Zones 5-9) give this area a southwestern feel. Plants growing here are primarily in full sun. They compete for moisture with roots from elm trees and receive only occasional deep watering.

North inside wall – Dappled shade

The plants here enjoy filtered shade, off and on, throughout the day. Canopy trees provide high dappled shade in the morning, some midday sun, and bright shade in the afternoon. This allows me to grow traditional perennials such as irises (Iris spp. and cvs., Zones 3-9), daylilies (Hemerocallis spp. and cvs., Zones 3-10), coneflowers (Echinacea spp. and cvs., Zones 3-9), and peonies (Paeonia spp. and cvs., Zones 3-8). Newer cultivars and less common specimens also abound.

Entire south side – Shady, cool, and moist

Trees, shrubs, and the neighboring house shelter the area and completely block the midday sun along the entire south edge of the property. This area stays wet after it rains, and holds snow for weeks at a time in winter. Two blue spruce trees (Picea pungens f. glauca, Zones 2-8) anchor the southeast corner of the garden. Heucheras (Heuchera spp. and cvs., Zones 3-8), hostas (Hosta spp. and cvs., Zones 3-9), hardy fuchsias (Fuchsia spp. and cvs., Zones 7-11), and ivy (Hedera helix cvs., Zones 5-11) thrive here.

Against south wall of house – Baking hot sun

This small area gets some winter shade but enjoys hot sun all summer. The heat reflecting off the walls keeps the soil warm, and the overhang keeps it dry most of the time. Figs (Ficus spp. and cvs., Zones 6-11), cacti, bird of paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii, Zone 11), salvias (Salvia spp. and cvs., Zones 5-11), and yuccas love it.

Transition zone in back – Temperate, sun and shade

The area on both sides of the stream slopes gently and is primarily in full sun. Traditional sun-loving perennials thrive, along with choice selections like Berkheyas (Berkheya spp., Zones 9-11), red hot pokers (Kniphofia spp. and cvs., Zones 5-9), Oriental fountain grass (Pennisetum orientale, Zones 6-10), thyme (Thymus spp. and cvs., Zones 4-9), and countless others.

South-facing back slope – Hot, dry, sunny

As soon as the transition zone begins to climb upward, the south-facing slope conditions change dramatically. Only the toughest intermountain natives and desert- and Mediterranean-type plants thrive.

Narrow north strip – Full shade, cool

The ground is shaded all day, but plants that don’t mind reaching up for some light thrive, especially several hardy forms of bamboo. This creates a simple yet exotic walkway connecting the front and back of the property.

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