What is the best way to establish a front yard country garden?
by
Kim8500011
+2
My small front yard gets some sun - there are many tree roots, making it hard to mow, and I thought a garden full of flowers might be a nice idea, Funds are low, so seed grown plants might be the best option and I'd like a lot of perennials. I am in Zone 6. Tnx!
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I recently did a lovely perennial garden in my front yard on a very low budget and I went to Lowe’s and bought the plants that were on clearance for $1 or $3 and I just cut them back once I planted them and they grew beautifull! All they need is a little love and food!
Here are suggested plants for your area to get you started. http://www.texaswildflowerpictures.com/wf_index.htm
http://www.finegardening.com/10-perennials-easily-grown-seed
the Lupine won't work, they need fluffy soil and more sun than it sounds like you get...
I would also look locally, cuttings and divisions of existing plants will be better and quicker than growing from seed, and you will have a better idea of which plants will do well in half-shade. Most gardeners will give plants away for help digging them up.
when planting, dig gently between the roots, and spread the new plant's roots out in places where you cannot get 'deep'.
I once did this! I bought a can of seeds of the color I wanted (blues) and sprinkled them all over. I let the rain and sunshine do their thing and sat back and enjoyed a beautiful walkway of all kinds of blue flowers that came back year after year. (I became known as the "flower lady" on my street - I was only 30 at the time - and I loved it. HOWEVER, for everyone who loved the look, there were those who didn't: One day, a car drove by and yelled to me, "I love your garden!" The next car drove by and yelled, "Get rid of those weeds!" Haha!)
When I made my garden in the front of my home I just played landscaper paper right over the top of the soil/grass/tree roots. I then started the garden with splits off plants of friends and neighbours. Plus I went to my local horticulture societies spring plant sale and purchase plants at an affordable cost to me (the funds went to the society to sponsor gardens all around the city). These were all perennials and then I just cut an X in the paper, dug a hole, planted the plant and then covered all around it with mulch. Everyone comments how beautiful it turned out. With the mulch I have to weed very little and I refresh it every two to three years.