Graded disproportionately above the everyday triumphs of the garden are the long overdue successes of a few simple-to-grow plants that have perished more times than I wish to count. I have finally given up on all varieties of the anyone-can-grow-it coreopsis, but at least I have a clue that these failed due to damp soil in the sunny, lower rear garden. While most everything thrives without a care, I am too often perplexed by the few failures.

But, today is a story of success. Finally, finally, I am nearly certain I have found a home for the sturdy rodgersia (Rodgersia aesculifolia, above). Two have survived into a second year with vigorous growth, and one is flowering. I suspect both are in positions with damp soil and part shade where they will overgrow to obstruct paths as they continue to grow, but that’s a minor concern and probably will be considered a lesser triumph given the repeated attempts to get one to survive.

Most often, the recipe for “right plant, right place” is a simple matter. Most plants are quite forgiving of minor deviations from their preferred requirements for sunlight and moisture. I regularly stretch the limits on planting too closely, but this rarely is an issue since that is typical in the wild.

The rock gardens (above) started a year ago have allowed planting of lavender, rosemary, ice plants (Delosperma,below), and others that could not be grown in clay soil. With more planting this spring, I’ve run out of space, and certainly some editing will be required as some vigorous spreaders threaten clumpers in the gravelly soil. I’m still figuring it out, but pleased to finally be able to include these curiosities in the garden.