Disregard traditional design rules and adopt a new approach. What clues can you take from your landscape to help you provide the right plant for the right place? Learn to evaluate sunlight, moisture, soil and other factors to encourage a successful garden that does not require many inputs in the way of watering, fertilizing, extra coddling on your part.

Photographer and author Dan Jaffe has 10+ years’ experience in ecological horticulture. He is the plant propagator and stock bed grower at the Native Plant Trust (Formerly New England Wildflower Society) and author of Native Plants for New England Gardens. Dan has a botany degree from UMaine Orono and an advanced certificate in Native Plant Horticulture in Design from Native Plant Trust.