SOUTHERNLIVING.COM / JULY 20 19
17
Be Resourceful
A discarded door picked up on
the side of a road and rusty bed
frames occupy prominent places
as whimsical “art” in Startzman’s
garden. A nonworking antique light
fixture, scored at a flea market, hangs
above her koi trough; an old metal
gate divides the sunny side of her
floral display from the shady part;
and fallen logs woven into a rustic
pergola are adored by visitors in
addition to the squirrels and birds.Spread the WealthWhen plants become overcrowded,
divide them and swap with friends.
It’s a simple and economical solution
to maintain order and share the bounty.
It’s also a fantastic way to enhance an
existing garden, experiment with color
combinations, or try something new for
free. Startzman was the beneficiary of
a sweet clump of Indian pink (Spigelia
marilandica), a native wildflower that
she now gifts to fellow gardeners.
Make It a HangoutStartzman emphasizes that a garden
is about more than plants. A table
and chairs for alfresco dining, a
fireplace for warmth and cooking,
spacious benches, and thoughtfully
placed light fixtures are practical
additions. She also believes it’s
important to care for the pollinators
and other animals that inhabit our
world. Clean water in birdbaths,
well-stocked feeders, vegetation
left intact to provide food, and places
of shelter not only sustain wildlife
but also give her pleasure as she
watches the seasons unfold.Standing Tall
Startzman
prunes her ‘Silk
Road’ lilies.