| I have yard with several microclimates. One side receives morning sun and full shade after 12:00. Part of the back receives afternoon sun after 12:00 and the middle receives full sun almost all day. I also have a section that receives almost no sun. The front receives full sun all day. Is the a plant (or plants) available that can be planted and will survive anywhere I plant in my yard. Also, can you give me tips on Chrysanthemum are. Specifically, how do you keep them from getting leggy? Thank you. |
| Most landscapes have similar exposures to sunshine, which changes a bit as the seasons change. For optimal plant health you'll want to choose plants with preferences to the amount of sunshine each section of your garden receives. For instance, morning sun and afternoon shade will suit many flowering shrubs and perennials. Just choose plants that like part sun/part shade. The sunniest section will need plants that require all day sunshine such as roses. The shady side of your yard will be perfect for shade loving plants. Just check the plant labels and you won't go too far wrong. Chrysanthemums can be pinched back to keep them from getting leggy. Pinch the terminal stem back about three weeks after your mums start growing in the spring. Pinch back again in 2-3 week. Stop pinching the first week of July so your plants have time to produce flower buds. If you remove all but one flower bud from each cluster your mums will produce a single large flower. If you leave all of the flower buds, your mums will produce several small flowers. Best wishes with your garden! |
