IT'S SPRING AND IT'S PLANTING TIME
We will be looking at flowers and what type to plant in sunny and shady environments.
Sunny Spots
If you have a bright , sunny spot that needs some flowers then I have some recommendations. Hollyhocks (Alcea rosea) have a long blooming period. Hollyhocks grow best with lots of sun and moisture. The soil should also be well drained. If you plannt in an area that has good air circulation it will help prevent rust fungal disease.
Dahlias come in a wide assortment of sizes from dwarf plants to almost bush like.The have a variety of bloom shapes and range from white to multi-colored. Dahlias love sunny locations but must have a good compost base to thrive.
Sedums or stonecrop are great for those that don't have a green thumb.They thrive on a sunny site that has good drainage.Sedium "Ruby Grow" is probably the easiest to grow. It grows to about 8 inches tall and is perfect for a perennial border. The foliage is silvery blue and has reddish undertones. In late summer it produces intensely pink flowers.
SHADY SPOTS
Many people love shady spots during the summer whether they are shaded by trees or an artificial barrier. The coolness a shady spot brings does'nt mean it has be devoid of plantation. There are basic differences between planting in the sun and planting in the shade. First you need richer soil to make your plants thrive(check out worlds best compost on this site). When you think of a shady setting think about a lush forest that has little or no sunlight. Those plants grow because of thousand of years of leaves dropping and enriching the soil. For a lush shady area you must duplicate that environment. You must add organic compost to the area prior to planting.
Plants in shady areas require less water to avoid rot but need more nutrients to flourish. The root system for shady plants is located closer to the surface to get more water.
To brighten up a shady environment a plant with white colored blossoms and foliage would be the ticket. Check with your local green house if they have Pieris forresti. It is a shade loving plant that produces clusters of white. White flowered rhododendrons, azaleas and pittsosporum can also be used in shaded areas.
Other plants that can be used include annuals such as impatients. Coleus is also shade loving and has colorful foliage. If you prefer perennials you can plant floxglove,hellebore,goatsbeard, coral bells which all have white flowers. For added color you can plant Peruvian Lily,Spider Wort,Columbine or Golden Nugget.
Keep in mind that shaded areas need special attention (check out worlds best compost) but can be an area the will flourish under the right conditions and treatment.The addition of mirrors and lighting will enhance the area thereby enhancing your enjoyment of the outdoor garden.
