| I have a tiny front yard (20'X 10") that I would like to cover with different types of flowers. I believe that there are flower kits available that contain multiple types such that one will almost always be in bloom. My work puts me on the roadquite a bit, so I will need low maintenance plants. I live in the Washington D.C. area. |
| You didn't mention whether you would like perennials or annuals but since you are looking for low maintenance, I am going to assume you want perennials so you won't be replanting every year. Please keep in mind that, while there are plants whichare labelled as low maintenance, there are a few basic maintenance duties which will have to be done or your flowers will not thrive. First and foremost, watering. Your plants will require a regular supply of water, especially in the summer months and during their first season when they are getting established. I have found that rainfall isn't regular enough to depend on. So, when you are on the road can you count on someone to give your plants a good watering every now and then? Also, it will be much easier to care for the plants if they are started off in a good soil environment. Be sure to fortify the soil with a lot of organic material such as compost, well rotted cow manure, etc. If you like, can put a lot of that down now and let it start working its way into the soil. In the spring when you are ready to plant, till in more. Now, for the plants. Burpee offers several "Designed Garden" packages which include plants, planting instructions, markers with plant names, and a layout plan. The plants come in 4" pots so you won't need to bother with seed starting. For your specs, I would recommend the "Sunny Corner" designed garden. It is especially designed to have months of bright rich color, spring through fall. It will not cover your entire yard, it is designed for a 5'x8' area. However, it would certainly be OK and pretty easy to purchase more of the plants contained in the kit and work them in to fill in your larger area. (Or, purchase two kits). All of the plants in the kit are also available from Burpee separately. This kit is also great because the flowers in it attract butterflies. It is a full sun garden, so if your lawn is in the shade, consider the "Shady Border" garden or, contact us again through the website and we'll take it from there. |
