Today we’re visiting Yvette Pearson.

The gardens at the Pearson home reflect the many memorable years with our family and friends. When we moved here in 1988, our love of gardening began as an inspiration from the charming landscapes around this community. Initially, we focused on the area surrounding our signature pear tree in the rear of the home, and then we extended our gardening designs to improve the landscape.

Throughout our yard space we continue to create garden designs that highlight the biodiversity of plants during the changing seasons. The west side of the house displays a naturalized garden that includes sedges (Carex species), a variety of epimediums, and blooming evergreen shrubs that relish the shelter of the Japanese snowbell tree (Styrax japonicus, Zones 5–9). The recently completed fern gully focuses on a variety of native plants flanked by the colorful blossoms of perennial geraniums, Hosta ‘Guacamole’ (Zones 3–8), and the exotic Ligularia. And no garden would be complete without vegetable- and fruit-bearing plants, which include a bountiful purple grapevine, a generous brown turkey fig tree, a towering black elderberry bush, and much more!

In recent years we have learned more about the responsibilities of sustainable gardening and the impact to our environment. We are committed to organic practices, which avoid the use of pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that diminish the quality of the soil. These practices support healthy and viable landscapes. Above all, we are cultivating a garden for the years to come!

We welcome everyone to enjoy our garden!

Spring along the side of the house features masses of azaleas (Rhododendron hybrids, Zones 5–9) in full bloom.

The same part of the garden later in the season brings out blooming perennials, which have taken over from the flowering shrubs.

Shrubs dominate along the steps up to the house, and some color is provided by bearded irises (Iris hybrids, Zones 3–8).

This gorgeous peony looks to be the variety ‘Bowl of Beauty’ (Paeonia ‘Bowl of Beauty’, Zones 3–8).

White flowers from a yucca (Yucca filamentosa, Zones 4–10) make a dramatic statement, while a low-growing coreopsis (Coreopsis verticillata, Zones 3–9) blooms in the front of the bed.

The use of conifers ensures that this bed will look full and beautiful every month in the year, while other plants add seasonal flourishes.

This shady spot is filled with hostas, ferns (Athyrium niponicum var. pictum, Zones 3–8), and astilbe (Astilbe chinensis ‘Pumila’, Zones 4–8).

Contrasting textures and shapes of leaves provide all the interest in this shady spot.

An oakleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea quercifolia, Zones 5–9) still looks good as the flowers age with its dramatic bold foliage.

Have a garden you’d like to share?

Have photos to share? We’d love to see your garden, a particular collection of plants you love, or a wonderful garden you had the chance to visit!

To submit, send 5-10 photos to [email protected] along with some information about the plants in the pictures and where you took the photos. We’d love to hear where you are located, how long you’ve been gardening, successes you are proud of, failures you learned from, hopes for the future, favorite plants, or funny stories from your garden.

Have a mobile phone? Tag your photos on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with #FineGardening!

Do you receive the GPOD by email yet? Sign up here.

Fine Gardening Recommended Products

Scotts Cordless Grass-Shear/Shrub-Trimmer Combo

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

With a built-in 7.2-volt lithium-ion battery, this little guy weighs less than 2 lb. and can zip through all your minor pruning tasks quickly and easily.
- 13.5 x 3 x 5 inches
- Uses a 7.2-Volt 2Ah high-capacity built-in lithium-ion battery; Includes a fast charger

Buy at Amazon

isYoung Birdlook® Smart Bird Feeder with Camera

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

Upgraded Dual Granary Bird Feeder. G11 Smart Bird Feeder with Camera – The upgraded dual granary design allows for separate food dispensing, giving birds the freedom to choose while preserving the food’s original taste. With a 2L extra-large capacity, it reduces the need for frequent refills. The drainage design ensures the food stays dry and prevents spoilage from rain. Ideal as a camera bird feeder for birdwatching enthusiasts. 2K HD Camera & Close-Up Bird Watching. Experience clear bird watching with the G11 smart bird feeder. This bird feeder with camera features a 170-degree wide-angle lens and a 1296P HD camera, ensuring vibrant images and videos. With AI-powered recognition, it can identify over 16,000 bird species (subscription required, first month free) and provides extensive birding knowledge. Its unique design helps attract more birds to your backyard. App Alerts & Super Night Vision. The smart bird feeder camera detects motion within 0.5 seconds and sends instant notifications through the "VicoHome" app. With a 2.4G Wi-Fi connection, you can view real-time updates on bird activity right from your app. The video bird feeder also features night vision, ensuring vibrant images and videos even in low light conditions. Ideal for wild bird feeders, this advanced functionality enhances your bird-watching experience day and night.

Buy at Amazon

RAINPOINT Sprinkler Timer with Brass Swivel

Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

- Pure brass water inlet and metal thread can withstand up to 116psi.
- Built-in metal filter gaskets can prevent sediment and other larger particles
- Through the Sprinkler Timer program, you can set the start time, watering duration, and watering frequency

Buy at Amazon