Galium

Galium odoratum, the sweet woodruff, is a fast-spreading, fragrant ground cover perennial that excels in the dry shade conditions found beneath the dense oak canopy of Martha's Vineyard's woodland garden properties, tolerating the root competition and low moisture availability that defeat many more demanding shade perennials. Its whorled foliage and tiny white flowers in May create a delicate, woodland-floor tapestry particularly suited to the naturalistic shaded gardens of larger up-island estates in West Tisbury and Chilmark. The dried foliage releases a fresh, hay-like fragrance that adds a sensory dimension appreciated in garden spaces used for outdoor entertainment.

Deer resistance is strong. Estate Care professionals specify it as a practical, refined ground cover solution in the most challenging shaded dry-root-competition situations where few other plants establish reliably.