| I would like to know what plants would be good outside of my sunroom and also up the sidewalk to the front of my house. I like flowers that are long bloomers. Also what about the tidy teddy shrub as in between some flowers? We live in zone 5. Thank you for your time. Sally |
| There are many perennials you could use. In a sunny location with average soil, you might try daylilies (Hemerocallis), sedums such as "Autumn Joy", a small ornamental grass such as Pennisetum alopecuroides 'Hameln' along with cranesbills (perennial geranium)such as "Rozanne," a mildew resistant phlox such as "David" and possibly some black eyed Susans, purple coneflowers, and amsonia along with early spring bulbs such as crocus and daffodils. Your plant selection will depend in part on how much space you have available, and which colors you like best. The plants I have named are generally easy to grow with long blooming or extended seasonal interest. Unfortunately I am not certain which particular shrub you have in mind. When mixing shrubs and perennials it is important to allow ample space for the plants to reach their mature size so they do not smother or shade each other. When you plant along a walk, make sure the plants are planted far enough away from the walk that they can grow and mature without overhanging it. Your local professional nursery staff should be able to help you analyze the growing conditions where you want to plant and identify plants that would thrive there as well as meet your design goals. Enjoy your new garden project! |
