They are, and one gets supplementary water as needed because of other things in there that need it - Rhododendron vaseyi, Lilium superbum, hellebores and a variety of other plants. This latter bed is in full sun, the other gets shade after noon or so. Best, John John T Lonsdale PhD 407 Edgewood Drive, Exton, Pennsylvania 19341, USA Home: 610 594 9232 Cell: 484 678 9856 Fax: 315 571 9232 Visit "Edgewood" - The Lonsdale Garden at http://www.edgewoodgardens.net/ USDA Zone 6b