Q:
We live on the plateau of central Tennessee, known as “Rocky Top.” In addition to being rocky, the soil is “thin,” as the natives say, and in trying to cultivate, I am constantly battling tree roots and clay. How do I go about preparing the soil for planting? My goal is a natural woodland garden with a winding pathway.
Mary K. Roth, Fairfield Glade, TN
A:
Erica Glasener, former contributing editor, replies: I recommend building raised beds. That way you can make your own soil without having to battle tree roots and clay. Use a tiller to mix equal parts of composted cow or horse manure, composted leaves, topsoil, and coarse sand. Prepare the beds in the fall for spring planting. The soil depth should be at least 2 feet to allow enough room for the roots to grow.
If you’d rather not use raised beds, you can amend your existing soil with the same ingredients, keeping in mind that few plants are able to grow in areas with lots of tree roots. However, native plants like red cedars and native azaleas are better adapted than many ornamentals. Hardy perennials that will do well in a shady, woodland area with thin soil include creeping phlox (Phlox stolonifera), lungwort (Pulmonaria saccharata), and foamflower (Tiarella cordifolia or Tiarella wherryi). These plants must be watered during excessively hot, dry spells in summer.
