Hi,

I have been working out in the garden(s) a lot (of course) lately. (And guess what, I don't think our sheep are really pregnant! Except for maybe one, but that's a long, long story!).

Anyway, I really am enjoying my perennial beds. One is intensely colorful and one is much more subdued; others are kind of in between. The subdued one needs some more color, but it's lightly to deeply shaded for 1/2 the day or so and I'm running out of ideas, other than azaleas and other shrubby stuff (or hostas, astilbes...you get the idea).

I realize I live in a different climate than most or all of you folks (maybe Marci's is closest) but I'd love to hear suggestions for flower color and fragrance plantings. Or even just tell me your favorites, and I can get all jealous if I can't grow them! I'd prefer perennials, but I'd love to hear any suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2004

Answers

I like Bee Balm, but I don't know how it would work in your situation. It can get mildew if it's too damp.

My favorite shade plant is Lily of the Valley, I just love the smell. I wish the flowers lasted longer though.

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2004

Hi Sheepish!! I have to admit that the various types of hostas are my personal favorites for shade gardens, but I've also been checking into the new/old varieties of bleeding hearts lately. You might want to consider them!!

BTW...we've been getting alot of your "type" of weather lately....fog, clouds, dampness etc. :-)!! Lots of humidity, too.

-- Anonymous, July 26, 2004

Thanks!

How about your favorite flowers? Shade or not. I have a sunny area that I will develop over the next years (trying to get rid of my lawn!), so I'd love to hear about blooms. I like dahlias. Never grown zinnias. I also like gladiolas. Anyone raise them? Any other bulbous things? Anyone raise tuberous begonias? (I think they like partial shade)? Of course we have a bazillion sunflowers just ready to bloom (thanks to Mr. S and his early season efforts at starting them).

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2004

I've tried the shade garden but really wanted flowers. I got something that looks like mini roses but forgot the name of them. They are annuals though.

I LOVE Wave Patunias. They flow everywhere and looks so nice. The deer don't eat them either so that is good. But, they to, are annuals.

Perennial I like the best are the purple cornflower. (Echancia) They look like purple daisy. I've tried to get poppies going but they will not take for me here.

My next thing is to put down some kind of bark. I have used hemlock in the past because the smell didn't bother me. Person I got it from isn't carrying it anymore because it doesn't sell. He would order it for me but said I have to take 20 bags at least. Alot of the ones available make me positively sick. I have a neighbor who cleared some land for a house and has a big hill of chopped trees. Maybe I'll ask if I can have some of that. Doesn't look as nice but I can always put stuff on top. (It was funny. I'm in Home Depot sticking my nose on all the bags of bark, smelling them. Went home with a headache.)

-- Anonymous, July 27, 2004

I have been given about 8 million iris rhizomes (from many different people) this year. Don't people like iris anymore? Or does it just need dividing all the time? Do any of you guys have some? Any tips?

How about perennials that last into fall? I hear asters are good. I wish I could work in my garden all day most days!

-- Anonymous, August 01, 2004

Liatris and black eyed susans last into the fall and are nice together and can take some shade or full sun. Liatris is a magenta feathery spike..also called Gayfeather. Small bulbs. This is my first year of poppy success. They are an annual one that I got from a lady who has them self sowing everywhere every year. Soft coral with a mauvy grey petal base. Need full sun. Globe Thistles are just starting to come on now (Echinops)(full sun late summer bloomer)...OOOH Echinacea (purple cone flower) will take some shade as does Columbine. And daylilies, which come in some great colors now instead of just yellow or orange. Oh, what about asiatic lilies or Orientals. You should go online and order the Vesey's catalogs (free). Great pictures!!! There's the Fall planted bulbs catalog, seed catalog, spring planted bulbs catalogs..you name it! A Great info tool. And lambs ears are a nice silvery contrast in shaded areas (light shade). I think I finally ran out of ideas.....

-- Anonymous, August 03, 2004

Thanks! I have some of these plants, and maybe it's time to divide them. Good suggestions and cheaper, too!

-- Anonymous, August 03, 2004

My sister-in-law just gave me a bag of iris rhizomes (what is it with all these people giving me iris?). Today it's raining! Yippee. It's been dry for 6 weeks. All our lawns are turning brown...now maybe they'll green up again.

I am getting way too ambitious: I've planned some big garden structures. I want to create some privacy screening between our summer shade area and the neighbor's new addition. Although they are several hundred feet away, their new bedroom/bath looks right out to where we entertain in the summer (under a huge shady King Crimson Maple and a huge yellow locust). So I'm hoping Mr. S. can build up a screened deck area, maybe 20 x 10...with a trellis for vines. Have to figure out where to get the materials and/or money. hmmm...

Also, he's building a new and bigger hen house for our newest arrivals. The old chicken house will be moved and converted into my garden shed. It's a pretty attractive building anyway: has a little cupola, 2 side lights next to the front door; is dark green with white trim and a white metal roof. I'm going to move it next to the duck pond, surround it with a little white picket fence, and plant some cool stuff around it (besides my vegetables).

I also am going to build some step-down areas in my front perennial area. Our neighbors had a bunch of concrete patio busted up when they put on the addition, so I'm going to see if I can scavange some good pieces for a start.

Now, all I have to do is find the time!!! We'll see....

Anybody else doing any garden construction?

-- Anonymous, August 06, 2004