In a normal year, I would point out that summer is on the wane, and fall will soon pay us a visit. In 2020, the changing seasons matter very little, except that fall is a time of making sure that all is ready for the coming winter. In the garden, it is the time to clean up and dispose of dead or dying plants. It also is the best time to plant perennials, shrubs, and trees that will remain dormant in the soil until spring.

I have been researching small- to medium-sized evergreen shrubs for a special planting project. The shrub I select must meet several criteria: it must require minimal care and maintenance; grow well in nutritionally poor soil; and thrive in the face of inattention.

Yaupon holly (Ilex vomitoria), a broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree, is native to coastal areas of the southeastern United States. Yaupon holly grows in full sun to part shade. It prefers sandy, well-drained soil with a pH of 3.7-6.8, but will tolerate a wide range of soil types and environmenta...