In one of the most biodiverse areas, I designed and assisted with the planting for a Finnish-inspired summer house from 1973. The owners wanted a landscape featuring deer-resistant, robust, and drought- and moisture-tolerant perennials and grasses as much as possible. A pond was added to provide the garden's insects and birds with direct access to water. We quickly achieved lush beds, thanks in particular to the owners' use of compost for soil improvement and their commitment to watering during the establishment phase.