The pictures on this page were taken in Chatham County, North Carolina on September 10, 2007.
At that time the region was experiencing Drought Classification D-3, Extreme Drought.
The plants in these pictures range from 4 to 6 years old.
Aside from watering at the time of planting, they have never been irrigated.
In this picture, the shrub on the left is Nandina. Plants below it include Hosta, a rogue purple coneflower
and some ferns.
The tree in the center is an eastern redbud. Below it and beyond are Solomon's seal, ferns and Hosta.
At the end of the bed is another Nandina and a Camellia.
This is a closer view of some of the plants in the picture above.
Hosta, ferns, Solomon's seal are prominent.
This is another view of some of the same plants.
Hosta, Solomon's seal, fern.
Japanese camellia and Arkansas amsonia.
In another bed are oakleaf hydrangea with dwarf nandina in the front.
These pictures are posted not as examples for plant identification nor because they are outstanding specimens.
They are examples of the ability of plants to take care of themselves with minimal input from the gardener.
They are also examples of plants suited to the site and careful planting and establishment.
They have never been on a fertilizer program nor an irrigation program except for rainfall.
(A few weeks after these pictures were taken, the deer finally got to the Hosta and the
oakleaf hydrangea.)