In Pittsburgh, Sue and Marshall converted an empty post-move yard into a from-the-ground-up garden, emphasizing observation, planning, and seasonal structure. They began by observing sunlight and soil before starting a garden from scratch, mapping zones for vegetables, flowers, and seating aligned to daily routines. On the sloped site, they used raised beds for drainage and selected native shrubs and pollinator-friendly perennials suited to current light and soil.Without legacy beds or paths, they prioritized accessibility over symmetry and chose regionally appropriate species to simplify maintenance and reduce pest carryover. Clean soil and new stock supported mixed edible-ornamental plantings. The project deepened their connection to home through steady, visible progress.
