The ugliest corner of the garden? Today it is my favorite, thanks to 3 plants

The ugliest corner of the garden? Today it is my favorite, thanks to 3 plants

In recent months a forgotten corner of my garden has undergone a radical transformation. What was once a neglected space, overgrown with weeds and debris, has become a haven of biodiversity and beauty. The secret? Three plants with multiple virtuescapable of transforming a vegetal desert into a dynamic ecosystem.

Passionfloweror passion flower, it is a branch with complex flowers that evoke the Passion of Christ according to the Christian tradition. Its petals and sepals represent the instruments of crucifixion, while the corolla symbolizes the crown of thorns.

Features and benefits

• Symbolic flower : Its name comes from Latin Passion (suffering) e flos (flower), linked to religious symbolism.
• Attractive to pollinators : Its flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds, enriching the local fauna.
• Adaptive climate : Adheres naturally to structures, ideal for hiding walls or fences.

Maintenance and consultancy

• Exposure : Prefers well-drained soil and sunny exposure.
• Multiplication : Propagation by cutting or seed, fast growing.

Kale: a vegetable with a dual function

THE cabbage (or kale) is often confined to vegetable gardens, but deserves a place in ornamental gardens.

A decorative vegetable

• Colorful leaves : Similar varieties lacinato (black leaves) or the Russian red (red leaves) add a touch of color.
• Pest resistance : Less attacked by aphids than other cruciferous plants, according to observations.

Integration into the landscape

• Association with flowers : Combine with perennials like astilbe for a textural contrast.
• Cooking and harvesting : Harvest young leaves for salads, or let them ripen for soups.

Peppermint: an invasive but useful aromatic plant

THE peppermint (Mentha piperita) is feared for its rapid expansion, but offers underestimated benefits.

Properties and uses

• Intense aroma : Its aromatic leaves are used in infusion, in cooking or as an air freshener.
• Natural repellent : Its strong odor repels aphids and flies, integrating with neem oil treatments.

Check your expansion

• Growing in containers : Contain it in pots to prevent it from colonizing the garden.
• Multiplication : stem cuttings or root divisions in spring.

Complete with structural elements

To optimize space, combine these plants with structural elements :

Adjustable privacy screen

A wooden or metal privacy screen allows you to:

• Hide unsightly areas (like cracked walls).
• Create microclimates filtering the wind or light.

Effective mulching

Mulch (wood, bark or leaves):

• Maintains moisture and reduces irrigation.
• Protects the floor weeds and temperature variations.

Transforming a neglected corner into an ecosystem

The key to this transformation lies in the interaction between plants and landscape :

3-step strategy

1. Clean the space : Remove debris and weeds.
2. Choose suitable plants : Choose resistant and fast-growing species.
3. Add decorative elements : Privacy screening, mulch or rustic furniture.

Concrete example

• Passionflower on a fence.
• Cabbage at the edge of the path.
• Peppermint in a bin near a bench.

Challenges and practical solutions

Pest management

When faced with aphids or snails, choose:

• Biological control : Releases ladybugs or lacewings.
• Natural treatments : Garlic infusion or soapy water for aphids.

Adaptation to the seasons

• Winter : Protect sensitive plants with thick mulch.
• Summer : Water in the morning to avoid evaporation.

Conclusion: a living and evolving garden

This transformed corner proves it beauty often arises from imperfection. By combining plants with strong personalities and functional arrangements, we create a space that is both useful and aesthetic. Passionflower, kale and peppermint illustrate how underappreciated species can become the stars of a garden.

Next steps : Experiment with new associations (such as herbs with perennials) and observe the evolution of the ecosystem over the seasons.