Nestled between a historic barn and contemporary home, this courtyard planting aimed to soften the architecture, and blend with the surrounding landscape that was once an orchard. The plant palette was geared to both meet the criteria for plants that will thrive in a very hot, gravel garden setting, but that also feel connected to the deciduous surroundings, rather than xeric or desert-like species. It was important to the client to plant natives, specifically incorporating research from Pollinate HV’s list of Plants that support the Hudson Valleys Most-At-Risk Pollinators. The plants sourced for this project included mostly straight species, local eco-type plants, grown by local specialty nurseries.