Advice, please: what flowers should I plant?

evnshawn

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I want to plant flowers in the front yard this spring. I've always been an apartment dweller until we moved here (we're renting), so though I love flowers I don't have much experience with them. I'm certainly willing to learn, though.

Here's our situation: the house faces north, and I want border-type flowers that go up along the stairs, so I need something that will grow in partial shade. I'd also like it to bloom for as long as possible (I'm open to planting a few times in the season if that's necessary), so from what I've read I guess I want annuals instead of perennials. (Plus they're less expensive, I think.)

I'm also thinking about planting flowers around the two very young maples in our yard. One of those would get full sun since it's close to the street, and the other would get mostly sun but also a little shade, I think.

Oh, and I'd love to plant some flowers along either the east or west side of the house just to have some for picking. I was thinking maybe a wildflower mix like you buy in the cans, but I'm not sure.

So, any advice from experienced growers would be greatly appreciated. I really want to add some color, and also I'd like to do it as inexpensively as possible for now. I'm in zone 5 (I think); is it too late to start seeds?
 

AbbysMom

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Impatiens really add a huge splash of color in shade areas.
 

cassie-ondra

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Fuchsia (sp) are beautiful hanging plants that do good in partial sun. They come in beautiful colors. Ours have North eastern exposure and they do great!
 

gardenandcats

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Either Impatiencs or Fiberous Begonias would be a excelent choice for your partial shadey area.Both will bloom all summer with little care they do need frquent watering as do all annuals though.
I prefer Tuberous begonias I plant them each May. They never stop blooming and aren't quite as tender to cold as impatiencs and they requirer less watering.Heres a pic the White flower around them is annual Asylum This annual has the most delightfull smell you could ever smell.


You could try to grow them from seed but if you haven't ever done it before they can be tricky to start.
For your sunny areas you have a big choice Just check out your local box stores Wal mart ,Home depot ect. they have a good selection and a good price. Make sure all danger of frost is past before you plant any annuals. I"m zone 5 Maine and I usually don't put in my annuals untill mid May. Except Johny Jump Ups and Pansy's I plant those the end of April.
 

missy&spikesmom

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Oh, if you do want annuals, watch for sales on Impatiens! You don't really have to have a green thumb with them, AND they are self-cleaning. Meaning: you don't have to pop the dead flowers off, to encourage new blooms!
Just make sure they are watered and off they will go!!! I think they can make a powerfully good and colorful garden, in just a few weeks!
--Good luck!
 

gailc

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Originally Posted by evnshawn

Here's our situation: the house faces north, and I want border-type flowers that go up along the stairs, so I need something that will grow in partial shade. I'd also like it to bloom for as long as possible (I'm open to planting a few times in the season if that's necessary), so from what I've read I guess I want annuals instead of perennials. (Plus they're less expensive, I think.)

Actually in the long run perennial are much cheaper. However if you are looking for long bloom time you will need to supplement with annuals. Ideas are impatiens of course. Coleus will bring a splash of color too. Bedding begonia will work as will Foxgloves, Fuschias, Mimulus, forget me nots, and Primrose. I am a big fan of hostas as I have about 160 varieties but there are many,many more and the variety of shapes and sized will bring color too.
Don't forget about planning for planting bulbs in the fall.


I'm also thinking about planting flowers around the two very young maples in our yard. One of those would get full sun since it's close to the street, and the other would get mostly sun but also a little shade, I think.

I have planted around maples too but the thing to remember is that maples have very shallow fibrous roots so digging around them can be difficult. An easy choice would be to add daylilies

Oh, and I'd love to plant some flowers along either the east or west side of the house just to have some for picking. I was thinking maybe a wildflower mix like you buy in the cans, but I'm not sure.

Don't EVER purchase the wildflower in a can. They can contain invasive seeds. Plus they will never ever look the way they do on the can. Some seeds will not be suitable for your area. If you want some easy seeds for beginners try Cosmos, zinnia, annual larkspur, nigella. These seeds will be direct sown in your yard after your last frost date. Sunflowers are real easy to grow too

So, any advice from experienced growers would be greatly appreciated. I really want to add some color, and also I'd like to do it as inexpensively as possible for now. I'm in zone 5 (I think); is it too late to start seeds?
For inexpensive plants check your newpapers for plant sales offered by experienced gardeners (I have one every yr!!) or plant sales by gardening groups in your area. This are usually the sellers own divisions so they should work well in your area and you can get some free advice!! If you need any more advise please pm me!!
 
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