| Hi, I want to plant a flower bed for my straight walkway that leads to the main entrance, but don't know what to plant. I do not want anything that require too much maintenance or something that is too high. I'm thinking of some perennials. Please advice what to get and how to arrange them. My walkway is about 10 ft long and 2 ft high. Thanks a bunch. |
| I'd use a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year. This way you'll always have something in bloom. Here are a few suggestions, starting with spring: Aquilegia (Columbine); Armeria (Sea pink); Cerastium (Snow in summer); Chrysanthemum sp. (Marguerites); Erysimum (Wallflower); Geranium (Cranesbill); Geum; Helianthemum (Sunrose); Iberis (Candytuft); Linum (Flax); Oenothera (Evening primrose); Oxalis (wood sorrel); Paenoia (peony); Ranunculus (buttercup). Summer: Agapanthus (Lily of the Nile); Allium chives); Campanula (bellflower); Cistus (rockrose); Diplacus (monkeyflower). Late summer - fall: Achillea (Yarrow); Ceratostigma (dwarf plumbago); Francoa (maiden's wreath); Lantana; Liatris (gayfeather); Lychnis (Maltese cross); Mirabilis (Four O'Clock); Perovskia (Russian sage); Platycodon (balloon flower); Sedum; Aster; Chrysanthemum; Helichrysum (strawflower); Penstemon (summer snapdragon). Winter - Spring: Arctotis; Euryops (Golden bush daisy); Gazania; Cyclamen; Osteospermum (Arican daisy). Your local garden center may have even more plants to choose from. Plants usually look best when they are grouped together, either the same plant or plants with similar color or leaf shape. Once you've chosen your favorite plants you can set them out on the bed and rearrange them until they give you just the right look. Once you're satisfied with their placement you can install them in the bed. Enjoy your new flower bed! |
