The house has provenance: It was featured in a 1950 issue of BHG as part of the “Five Star Homes” series. Over the years that McCoy has owned this home, she’s gradually removed more turf and expanded the plants' footprint, combining long-rooted grasses like big bluestem (to limit water runoff from the slope) with flowers.

Planted with flowers that bloom in succession, the garden takes on a new look month to month. The plants are arranged in gently curving, repeating patterns, creating what McCoy calls a “patchwork” look around the steps to the front door. “It’s my front yard; I want it to be welcoming,” she says. "I love the way the steps disappear into the planting, beckoning visitors to explore."

Plants are nestled closely together, which helps crowd out weeds. Using a variety of contrasting flower forms—like fluffy ‘Sarah Bernhardt’ peonies, delicate poppies, and catmint spires—lets each stand out.

Other than a light trimming here and there, she lets the plants grow the way they would naturally. “I’m not deadheading everything every season,” McCoy says. “I’m letting the garden evolve how it wants to evolve.”

“You watch the hummingbirds and butterflies and the frenzy of bees, and it’s soul-feeding,” says McCoy, who has added more and more natives, like purple coneflower, to the garden over the years. Once the flowers are spent, she doesn't deadhead them: “The seed heads attract birds, especially finches.”

McCoy generally sticks to flowers in soft pinks and purples. ‘Beverly Sills’ bearded iris is a standout, blooming in both midspring and in late summer. One exception to her pastel color palette are the Oriental poppies that bloom in late May, providing a jolt of red. “If this garden were an outfit, these would be the statement shoes," she says.