Perfect Plants For Trouble Spots
The time has come to accept your garden for what it is: too sunny, too shady, too wet, too dry.
Whatever the case may be, you only create more problems for yourself when you plant flowers that don't like that particular environment.
Not only does it mean more maintenance, there's also a chance that the plants will die. The good news is that whatever inhospitable condition exists in your yard, there is a plant that will thrive there. The key is finding the right flowers and bushes.
The Early Show gardener Charlie Dimmock discusses five different "problem spots" and the plants that flourish there.
Fall is a great time to identify these problem areas and plant some flowers or bushes that are more suited to the area. Many people associate planting with spring, but fall is an ideal time to place plants in the ground. At this time of year, the ground is still warm, which allows roots to settle into their new home. There's typically quite a bit of moisture during the fall as well. And while your new plants won't look spectacular now, they will be completely acclimated to the garden by the time spring rolls around. This means they will be ready to bloom at the first hint of warm weather.
Before heading to the garden center, do some homework. Figure out what conditions exist in your yard and identify the problem spots. Then track down the appropriate plants. Be sure to look for labels stuck in the dirt or on the pot that tell you what conditions that plant prefers.
Here are some common troubling conditions and plants that thrive there:
Windy & Exposed
This affects plants in coastal areas, in roof gardens and in those spaces between buildings and homes that create mini wind tunnels. Look for plants with thick or wooly leaves. These leaves work to keep plants warm while holding onto water.
Plants to try:
Hot & Dry
Plants that grow under these conditions are often scented - the oils that create the smells attract and retain moisture. Also look for small or thick leaves. There are a couple of things you can do to increase the moisture in sun-baked soil. Adding organic matter to the dirt will help hold onto moisture. Mulching will also be beneficial. If you decide to mulch your plants, be sure to water them well BEFORE laying down the gravel or bark (the two most common mulches). Gravel and bark both work equally well. The only advantage gravel holds is that it will not decompose.
Plants to try:
Heavy Clay
Ground that contains lots of clay is a nightmare to work with, Dimmock says, because it's heavy and sticky when wet, then it dries out, bakes solid and cracks. However, the good news here is that it's nutrient rich so it can be a good environment for some plants. Again, adding organic matter to the soil will help things.
Plants to try:
Dry & Shady
This is one of the most difficult places to plant, and this area could benefit from organic matter and mulch. Two of the plant's three main requirements are missing - water and light. Unfortunately, most gardeners will encounter a spot like this in their yard. The ground under a tree or on the side of a house is typically dry and shady.
When planting in this area, picture the landscaping you've seen down the center of the highway - this is what you're going for. Plants that grow here may not be the most beautiful varieties you've ever seen, but they will be green.
Plants to try:
Moist & Shady
This is one of Dimmock's favorite areas to plant. Flowers and bushes that like a wet, shady environment are typically quite lush and can be used to create a romantic atmosphere. On the hot days of summer, you're going to head to the shady parts of your yard, and there are many familiar plants that can greet you there such as hostas, ferns and ivy.
Plants to try: