Please help! Starting a flower bed from scratch
-
Douglas Hunt on Jun 26, 2014You need to do a soil test before you do anything else and see what its condition is. That will tell you what fertilizer and amendments you need to add to be able to grow things successfully there. I would definitely get rid of the landscape cloth, which has proven its ineffectiveness to you. I would suggest you incorporate some evergreens since that is in the middle of your driveway. Dwarf Yaupon hollies like "Schillings" or "Nana" are pretty deer-resistant (deer will eat anything when they are hungry) and will stay low enough that they won't get in the way of the lovely hanging basket holders your father made. Add a few variegated yuccas like "Color Guard" and then fill in with perennials selected for bloom time. If you think of ones with fragrant foliage like rosemary or nepeta you'll stand a better shot with deer. Low-growing lantana would be a good choice there, too.Helpful Reply
-
-
SouthernBelle on Jun 26, 2014Thank you so much @Douglas Hunt I really appreciate the suggestions! I am thinking also of planting lirope (monkey grass) all along the perimeter, I think that would look lovely, and I dint know why I didn't think of it sooner! :) Thanks again for your help!Helpful Reply
-
-
Traceycater on Jun 26, 2014I like the idea of lantana it grows fast and covers much. Try Mexican Petunias, they will also spread, don't know if deer like them. I live in Central Florida, so I don't have deer issues, just lots of heat and sun! I use caladium's as well to fill areas, most of these plants don't need a lot of water either.Helpful Reply
- See 2 previous
-
-
Nancy Merrell on Jun 26, 2014You may need to rent a stump grinder to remove the roots if to large for a tiller. I agree with Douglas Hunt on getting soil test. Ask your garden center what you can plant that's deer resistant .Helpful Reply
-
-
SouthernBelle on Jun 26, 2014Thanks for all the suggestions, I really appreciate the help!Helpful Reply
-
-
Jeanette S on Jun 26, 2014The first thing I would do would be to bring in some good top soil to make a mound...nothing several feet high, but just high enough to make it pretty. Dirt can be brought in by the bag to keep from having a heavy truck bust up your concrete; then add manure and sand. To keep from having to edge it and help keep the dirt in place, plant variegated lariope, then put in some cordyline (a maroon spikelike plant), add some taller plants farther up the mound (I like dustry miller) and top it off with something like a miniature Japanese Maple. You can plant some Gerber Daisies around for color. All of these come back each year and require almost no attention. That would layer it in light green/yellow, maroon, color dasies, green/white and then maroon again with the small tree. Here is my mailbox that comes back every year except this year we planted a Lantana...I had forgotten how big this gets and it will probably have to be moved by the end of July! HA! This would be pretty in your circle too...get the ones that come back every year.Helpful Reply
-
-
SouthernBelle on Jun 27, 2014Thank you all, such great suggestions! @Jeanette S thank you so much for the pic, that is really helpful!Helpful Reply
-
-
Diane Sterling on Jun 27, 2014Just remember to distribute both evergreens (stay green all year long) and perennials (seasonal growth/color). Otherwise, your bed will look barren during the parts of the year (typically winter) once the perennials have died back.Helpful Reply
-
-
Lori Jackson on Jun 28, 2014I would look for lists of deer resistant plants.Helpful Reply
-
-
SouthernBelle on Jul 08, 2014Well, this bed is done!Helpful Reply
-
-
Peggy on Jul 09, 2014I would definitely have the soil tested and then amend it. I think knock-out roses would be beautiful in your circular flower bed with the lirope planted on the edge of the whole circle.The roses can be treated with Bayer 3 in 1 rose & flower care and the roses will do great!Helpful Reply
-
Related Discussions
GNATS - How to get rid of them?
Somehow my house and garden got tiny gnats that killed my fuchsia plant and fly everywhere. I have tried ALL the Web recommendations - soap and oil dishes, sand in th... See more
Marigolds growing! Should I pinch the buds?
My marigold plants are growing. I heard that pinching the buds until Autumn will allow them to grow without killing the plant. Is this true?
Growing garlic
Growing our first garlic, should we wait until the leaves are drying out before we pick it? Husband picked first one today along with our first potatoes.
How to keep mice out of your garden?
Hi everyone, I have mice in my garden destroying my vegetables and I have also noticed them in the barn and shed. Please can someone tell me how to prevent them from ... See more
What's the best flower/plant to grow in Texas?
I know that opinions vary, but what's your opinion?!I have great luck w Rosemary plants. Green all year long.
How do I kill mint in my flower bed? Help please, it's out of control?
Which annual flowers make a colorful border for my house?
This year I am going to plant a colorful border using annuals. What annuals have you used or do you recommend for a border? The area is full to part sun. I am not ... See more