SectionsSearchMorePodcasts email Created with Sketch. NewslettersWatch: Globe TodayCOVIDMetroWeatherPoliticsTransportationEducationCambervilleAround Mass.InvestigationsObituariesDeath NoticesSportsRed SoxPatriotsBruinsCelticsRevolutionCollegesHigh SchoolsTV & RadioBusinessTechnologyEconomyHousingReal EstateJobsBiotechFuture of WorkThe Fine PrintBold TypesPoliticsElectionsMoney, Power, InequalityClimateSpotlightOpinionIdeasColumns and Op-edsEditorialsLettersCartoonsSay More podcastNew HampshireBusinessPoliticsEducationCrimeHealthCommentaryRhode IslandThings to DoRhode Island PodcastRI Food & DiningPoliticsBusinessArtsCrimeWorldGlobe MagazineMiss ConductDinner with CupidPerspectiveWomen & Power 2023LifestyleA Beautiful ResistanceFood & DiningComicsCrosswordGamesTravelNamesLove LettersReal EstateArtsBooksMoviesMusicTelevisionVisual ArtsTheater/DanceCarsReal EstateEventsSearchePaperMagazineObituariesWeatherComicsCrosswordEventsManage my AccountMurder in BostonSay MoreLove LettersMr. 80 PercentGladiatorLast SeenSTAT: The Readout LoudAll PodcastsToday's HeadlinesBreaking News AlertsSports HeadlinesToday in OpinionGlobe's Most PopularRhode Island NewsNew Hampshire NewsBoston Globe TodayAll NewslettersWatch: Globe TodayMetroWeatherSportsBusinessPoliticsGlobe MagazineOpinionHealthMoney, Power, InequalityCambervilleAround Mass.New HampshireRhode IslandCOVIDSpotlightLifestyleArtsTechnologyClimateEducationCarsReal EstateEventsThe fine art of plantingCaption<p>Beth and Robert Cummings Neville have turned a bad site into a good garden. Their Milton home is on a slanting rocky lot 20 feet above a busy street corner. “This place was just shale dust and crab grass when we moved in,” says Beth with a laugh. </p><p>Instead they’ve embraced problems as opportunities. Little by little, since 1988, they have built small terraces to control erosion while colonizing each rocky outcropping with improved soil and suitable plantings. </p><p>Their efforts have developed almost two dozen mini gardens, each with a name and theme. Pictured, the Cupid Fountain Garden spruces up a garage with June roses and alliums.</p> (Keller + Keller/Keller + Keller)1 of 5Email to a Friend Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest more galleriesMore Galleries