The garden of Alan Aker
Piedmont, South Dakota

My garden is near Piedmont, SD, on a ridge in the Black Hills, forested in ponderosa pine.

This garden is 1 year old. I'm trying to emphasize blue flowers to contrast with the red limestone rocks. The rocks help soil stay moist in a dry climate. I'm training a grape and clematis up the log arbor.

The steps and walls are limestone gathered from nearby; the blooming plants are dianthus and soapwort. I also have some thyme in these rocks. We're in a dense pine forest, and this is one of our sunniest spots, so I have to resist the temptation to plant trees and bushes here.

Lupines, Dianthus, and Chives in bloom. I'm somewhat dissatisfied with this garden. Too many different kinds of plants, or not enough common threads tying things together. We'll see what happens.

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