Coneflowers, pussy willow bush, mums, yarrow and Russian sage compete with each other for space. Their healthy stems spread into the pathways. Unidentified plants bask in the sunshine surrounding the pond area. But I don't care. It's the beauty and the joy of it.
Butterfly bushes are evident around the ponds and in other small garden spots throughout the garden.
Their long fragrant blooms burst in attractive colors. True to their names, the white, purple, pink and red blooms of the butterfly bushes attract monarch butterflies. The Shaws are energetic with their gardening. Each year they have expanded the size of the gardens. Plans are in the works to enlarge the pond area to make more room along the pebble path linking the two water gardens.