Designing a low-maintenance native border

The secret to a low-maintenance border isn't less planting — it's the right planting, packed densely enough that weeds never get a foothold.

We start with native, site-appropriate species: things that already want to grow in your soil, light and rainfall. In Rhode Island that often means grasses, bayberry, asters and goldenrod for sun; ferns and hellebores for shade.

Layer for structure first, colour second. Evergreen anchors give the bed a shape in February; seasonal perennials weave through them for movement. Done right, the whole thing needs a cut-back once a year and almost nothing else.