From Bare Yard to Flowery Garden

The growers continue to put on a show, even when the growing season ends. Susan resists the urge to whisk away the remains. "The dried flower heads and tall grasses look so pretty in fall," she says. "And in winter, the dried hydrangeas are lovely in the snow."

Her learn-as-you-go, no-plan approach has yielded what all gardeners aim for: a four-season garden full of color and texture.

Shown: On the east side of the house, stone steps climb from the walk-out basement and backyard up to the front of the house.