Perhaps a little help from the gardening gurus?

So, I finally have my yard under control. This means there is actually more grass than weeds and the bare spots are slowly filling in. I think the worst problem was the mole crickets and we seem to be winning that battle.

So, now onto the flowerbeds. Last summer I planted japenese boxwood along the sidewalk. While they need a haircut, I think they will fill in nicely and contrast with whatever you call that ornamental grass.

My main problem is with this flowerbed:
It’s 12×11 and I am not attached to ANYTHING currently growing there. I need to force the husband to clean the gutters and that will solve the drainage problem. Other than that, the soil seems decent, but it faces the south and only receives a few hours of sunlight a day. I already removed some very leggy gardenias and took them to my mother’s, where they are thriving. Last year, I cut down the crepe myrtle only to have it resprout this spring.

Suggestions?

6 comments ↓

#1 Anonymous on 06.26.06 at 11:45 am

I’m not sure what crepe myrtle is but if it’s the same stuff we have here in the north you’ll be pulling it for several years without the use of chemicals. I suggest you kill everything that remains with a stout herbicide and start fresh. Do some research on what shade-favoring plants are available that you like. Use your artistic talents to create some unique borders. The tough part is waiting a year for everything to flourish. Good luck!

No

#2 Sonia on 06.26.06 at 2:52 pm

crepe myrtles are relentless! We dug ours up….thought we got them…now they’re coming back. Beautiful trees though. We have several. Your house is lovely.

#3 Heather on 06.28.06 at 12:37 am

Crepe Myrtles are pretty, but I think we’re going to go with a fountain or birdbath in the center

I’m going to have to google that snakeroot, it sounds interesting and yes, the dog sounds a lot like that. Especially if he thinks his buddy (the other dog) is getting to go somewhere without him.

#4 Pam on 07.03.06 at 6:44 pm

I finally have made it back to this post! My apologies for not responding sooner.

With four hours of sunlight, you probably want to avoid roses – they need at least 6, and since they are in such a predominant location, you be spending alot of time trying to keep them looking good. Do you like hydrangeas? There are some wonderful varieties out there – and while I prefer lacecaps, there is a variety, Endless Summer, that is a mophead that blooms throughout the summer (lacecaps are only in bloom late may -late June). I would think about anchoring the bed with a hydrangea (and letting it just grow – please don’t prune it) – and then putting some taller perennials in the bed (some larger leaved salvias do well in only 4 hours of sun, there’s also coral bells for the shadier parts) – I’m thinking I would make it cottage garden like, more informal – to offset the formal-ness of the brick. Does that make sense?

#5 Heather on 07.04.06 at 6:58 pm

Pam, I think I see what you are saying. Basically, a softer look?

I appreciate the advice and now need to sell it to my husband so I can start.

#6 Pam on 07.06.06 at 12:22 am

Yep, that’s what I was thinking. A softer look. More pretty than formal. My guess is once you get it going, all of your more formal neighbors will love it and start copying you. You guys would be trendsetters. How many opportunities do you have to be a trendsetter?

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