By the time I got to mapping out a modern Connecticut flower bed next to the driveway, I’d had some practice. I knew what would probably survive, and hopefully thrive, in this sunny spot. Thanks to Monty Don, I also knew to keep my plant selections to less than seven if I wanted a harmonious vs. chaotic garden. I went with Japanese yew, beach rose, boxwood, liriope, lavender and dahlia. (Ok, ranunculus had a run, too… not a single sprout out of dozens of corms. I’m not crying, it’s just some dirt in my eye). I dug it along the line of the curve in the beds across the driveway. This invites the eye to travel, and the property appears to stretch wider. For all the insight on plant selection in this garden — especially my beloved beach roses — subscribe here or at the bottom of the page, so you’re notified when the posts on this project comes out!

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