Even tiny beds can create a big impact when planted out with intention. From large blooms to towering hedges to climbing vines, the right plants can transform our borders into stunning showpieces with very little effort. Michael J. Fox and Tracy Pollan’s garden is the perfect demonstration of this principle.
Tracy took to Instagram to share an adorable shot of the couple’s stunning patio planting, and it stopped us in our tracks. In addition to container plants on the porch, they’ve filled their borders with hydrangeas, verbena, and boxwoods. It’s the ideal balance between manicured and wild – and the purple blooms are oh-so eye-catching.
As we consider how to plant the best low-maintenance garden borders, Michael and Tracy’s simple yet impactful design is top of mind.
To dive in more deeply, Homes & Gardens curated an edit of the best plants and tools to recreate their look. We also spoke with master gardeners about how to emulate the magic of Michael and Tracy’s garden edging in any backyard. Their insights are below.
Recreate Their Patio Planting at Home
Endless Summer Bloomstruck Shrub
Hydrangeas are my absolute favorite flower – especially given that they’re easy to care for and come back year after year. They would be gorgeous in a border like this.
This liquid food is the best thing for giving your hydrangeas a boost of brilliance and health, as its especillay formulated to help them grow. Just dilute with water and add to the soil.
Manicured borders need frequent pruning to stay healthy, and these expert-approved pruners are just the tool for the job. You’re sure to have them for years to come.
Set 2 Purple Verbena Plants
These clusters of gorgeous purple flowers make for the best groundcover and flowers that can stand on their own. They’re perennials, making them easy to care for year after year.
Keilson Ceramic Pot Planter
Tracy and Michael use a planter on their porch to bring even more greenery to the patio, and these unique stoneware vessels are perfect for doing the same. Their intricate design is elevated but not fussy.
These pretty vining flower is a beautiful way to add brightness to your borders. The white blooms are so striking. I love the idea of growing these up taller flowers in a multi-colored border
A huge part of what makes Michael and Tracy’s garden look so gorgeous is that all of the plants are thriving. The blooms are blossoming, and the greenery is practically bursting with verdance – and this all comes down to planting properly for the location. By the sunny patio, these plants that thrive in sunlight are the best pick, both for looks and effort.
Julian Palphramand, Head of Plants at British Garden Centres, explains: ‘A successful, low-maintenance garden is simply a matter of choosing the right plant for the right spot. If you match your plants to their preferred light, soil, and exposure, they will do the hard work for you, saving you time, effort, and disappointment, making way for a beautiful outdoor space.’
The hydrangeas are the most striking feature of these borders. If you opt to plant with these gorgeous perennials, July is one of the most important times to pay attention to their care.
Noah Mabey, Senior Gardener at Thornbridge Hall, tells Homes & Gardens: ‘Hydrangeas are often one of the standout plants in a summer garden, but by July their large flower heads can become surprisingly heavy, especially after periods of rain. Without a little support, stems can bend or flop over, leaving plants looking untidy and increasing the risk of damage.’
To keep your hydrangeas looking as healthy as Michael and Tracy’s, it’s essential that you prune them and take measures to support them.
‘Take the time to check your hydrangeas regularly throughout the month and install discreet plant supports before they begin to lean,’ advises Noah. ‘Supporting the stems early is far easier than trying to lift them once they’ve collapsed under the weight of the flowers.’
He adds: ‘Continue watering hydrangeas consistently during dry spells too, particularly if they’re growing in containers or recently planted borders. A thorough soak at the base of the plant is much more effective than frequent light watering and will help keep the blooms looking healthy throughout the summer. With just a little attention in July, hydrangeas can remain one of the most impressive features in the garden right through to early autumn.’
This way, your borders will be stunning, but easy to care for in the long term, just like those at Michael and Tracy’s house.
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