Posted on 03/11/2006 12:33:20 PM PST by alisasny
Spring is in the Air: Gardening 101
Hello everyone. Spring is coming, I can smell it.
Please leave gardening tips and tricks.
I am looking to find some very low upkeep annuals this year other then marigolds. I am tired of beheading petunias in my planter boxes to make them last till fall.
Also suggestions for vegetable gardens.
Good Gardening links also.
ENJOY : )
My only varmint problem with tomatos are my husband's dogs who, last summer, discovered just how yummy vine-ripened tomatos are.
Moss Rose (Portulaca)
Does well in full sun, does not require alot of watering, and constantly blooming until around mid August. Little or no maintenance. Potential to re-seed itself.
Dusty Miller also does well in these conditions, and no maintenance involved. Cut down in fall or spring, and most likely will come back. Both can withstand light frost in Zone 5.
Catharanthus, generally marketed as Annual Vinca (good for hot spots; more color variety than there used to be; good substitute for impatiens)
So-called Dwarf Morning glory (Convolvulus)
Bellis or English daisy
Any of you ever sow seeds in the summer?
I sprinkle the dead marigold bud seeds all over the place and they usually bloom next month : )
Marigolds aren't in my plans, but I'm sure yours look very nice.
In the upcoming week I'm planting Texas bluebonnets and Alamo Fire (a maroon variety of the former), fritillaria, crocus, daffodil, muscari, tulips. I've formosa lily, foxglove, coneflower and columbine growing inside.
Tomorrow I'll be putting in blue rug junipers, artemisia silver brocade and black mondo grass.
And could I ask if you've ever propagated a plant?
I grew these giant marigolds this year from seeds. They were awesome, nearly 3 feet high. I also split hostas. One side of my house is all hedges from clippings. They grow so nice.
I am so sad summer is over : ((
Planning now for 2007.
I am not a mum or fall plant fan so I stick some fake leaves in my planters in the front yard.
I have 3 dwarf bamboo plants. I bought them in 2005 and they are starting to spread a little bit. They were about a ft wide when i got them and now are about 2 ft wide so I can see they are going to get pretty big.
I know if you grow those giant bamboo they can take over your yard. I had thought about trying it around my pool for privacy but decided against it.
I am so glad I gave up petunias. I was much happier with marigolds, dahlias and impatients. They are all still alive too and its getting very chilly at night. Was 49 on the 22nd. OUCH.
I also have one rose bush that still has one more bloom to go in the next week or so.
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