Report From An Opinionated Gardener – May 28
The area along the top of my rock walls is difficult to plant. When the walls were constructed, gravel was dumped behind the wall to allow for good drainage. This means of construction is good for the longevity of the stone wall, but hard for planting. Stick a shovel into the area eighteen inches from the stonework and you hit lots of small rocks.
Fortunately there are plants that are pleased with such growing conditions and along one side of the drive I’m allowing one such variety to settle happily in. I know that the oxeye daisies (Leucanthemum vulgare) are considered invasive weeds in some parts of the country, but in this particular location I have to admit that it pleases me.
In addition to the flowers in May and early June, the foliage is tight, compact and green the rest of the summer making it an attractive groundcover. I feel badly about the propensity of this wild child to escape and crowd out native plants, and perhaps some day I’ll dig it all out as I did the Japanese Anemones and creeping Jenny (Lysimachia nummularia).
Right now I’m enjoying the fact that it’s the perfect plant for this location…and justifying keeping it just a bit longer.

The daisies are cheerful, but it's the foliage I really love. Or is that like saying that you buy Playboy for the articles?