By the time the first photo was taken around 2005 the tree cast fairly serious shade over half the front lawn. A decision was made to plant a shade garden under its crown. To begin a well-made used brick border was installed. That first season a generous application of compost was made. Test holes were dug to try and locate the largest roots... then the spaces between them where larger planting holes could be dug. Plants were purchased as they became available and as a budget permitted.

For a couple of years things looked a bit sparse.

In the third growing season the perennials began to put on a an impressive show.