In Atlanta, Georgia, Berri has spent years learning what thrives in the filtered light beneath mature trees. Her garden has become a personal, ever-evolving retreat shaped by patience, observation, and a love of plants. Berri says:
Our backyard sanctuary has been a work in progress since we moved in 35 years ago. A lot of research went into the selection of shrubs and perennials that are planted among the oak and pine trees in our shaded forest. The shrubs around our property line are now mature; they provide lots of natural privacy. Bluebirds, cardinals, thrashers, woodpeckers, hummingbirds, robins, and goldfinches visit each year. We enjoy lots of time on the patio and deck in the spring, summer, and fall.
A blue lacecap hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla ‘Lacecap Blue’, Zones 5–9) is situated along the path that runs through a bed of azaleas (Rhododendron cvs., Zones 6–10) and various perennials, while off to the right is a teak bench that provides a relaxing spot to enjoy a peaceful view.
The toad lily (Tricyrtis cvs., Zones 4–9) is thriving in its happy place around the trunk of a crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia cvs., Zones 6–9). Next to it is a planter with red-silver and variegated white-silver inch plant (Tradescantia zebrina, Zones 9–11) and a primrose (Primula cvs., Zones 3–8). In the background is the front of the azalea bed, which is fronted with lamb’s ear (Stachys byzantina, Zones 4–9).
This side border is situated alongside my property line. The stacked stone provides a lovely backdrop to the yarrow (Achillea millefolium, Zones 3–9) on the left, a rose bush in the center, and a hydrangea on the right. The concrete planter in the background is filled with Miss Muffet caladiums (Caladium × hortulanum ‘Miss Muffet’, Zones 9–12) and a dragon wing pink begonia (Begonia × hybrida ‘Dragon Wing Pink’, annual).
Also along the side border is a ‘Viridis’ weeping Japanese maple (Acer palmatum var. dissectum ‘Viridis’, Zones 5–8) growing next to a dwarf Hinoki cypress tree (Chamaecyparis obtusa, Zones 4–8).
A happy bush-type basil plant (Ocimum basilicum, annual) grows in front of a bronze fennel plant (Foeniculum vulgare ‘Purpureum’, Zones 4–9). Birds love to perch on the metal trellis before taking a bath.
Poppies (Papaver cvs., annual) and a bush rose complement each other here.
Just one of many pieces of my Vietnamese pottery collection: I love the combination of coleus (Coleus scutellarioides, annual) and grass in this container. The daylily (Hemerocallis cvs., Zones 3–9) beside the planter blends nicely with it.
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful, well-loved garden with us, Berri. It’s a joy to see how the space has evolved over time.
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