The cool, shady area near the black arches is especially lush during August. The vines there include a few hops, Virginia Creeper, akebia, hardy kiwi and clematis.

The arches provide shade for variegated hostas, yellow ligularias which the slugs adore, and a pretty, hardy fuchsia.

At the end of July, we added a young PeeGee hydrangea or Hydrangea paniculata, next to the fuchsia. Its pale blossoms will gleam in the shade.

Nearby, the trio of birches is an area featuring pots of echinacea and frequented by many beautiful birds.

There’s been an abundance of grosbeaks and woodpeckers in the past month or so at all of Coppertop’s feeders. They’re great fun to watch!