Gardening and Horticulture - some gardeing questions
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VaDIYguy
03-18-04, 08:34 PM
Hey all, I'm trying to get my yard looking like something other than the junk the previous owners left us with. Problem is, I know little about gardening. I have a few questions and figured I could get some good answers here!! FYI, I'm in Richmond, Virginia...I think zone 7.
1. My back yard is partial sun and has a few areas that tend to stay moist. Would Elepant Ears and Caladiums work well here? If so, I see my local Lowe's has some. Do these come as bulbs or already started to grow? If I have a choice, which is better? Any other recommendations for this type of soil would be very helpful.
2. I have a lot that slopes from the front to the back. There are a few trees (dogwood and apple I think) that have root structures that flow along the ground. This and the lack of sun from their cover keep grass from growing. So, I'm thinking of mulching the area. I'm worried that since I have a sloped lot, the mulch will just wash away. Do I need to worry? If so, what should I do??
Thanks so much for your help!
1. My back yard is partial sun and has a few areas that tend to stay moist. Would Elepant Ears and Caladiums work well here? If so, I see my local Lowe's has some. Do these come as bulbs or already started to grow? If I have a choice, which is better? Any other recommendations for this type of soil would be very helpful.
2. I have a lot that slopes from the front to the back. There are a few trees (dogwood and apple I think) that have root structures that flow along the ground. This and the lack of sun from their cover keep grass from growing. So, I'm thinking of mulching the area. I'm worried that since I have a sloped lot, the mulch will just wash away. Do I need to worry? If so, what should I do??
Thanks so much for your help!
chfite
03-18-04, 08:48 PM
tend to stay moist Not wet, I trust. If so, you might fill somewhat to keep the water from standing. Few plants tolerate wet feet.
Hostas, caladiums, elephant ears do ok in some shade. They come as bulbs in a bag. Simple to plant. Throw some bone meal in the hole with them. Water the bone meal in right away if you have dogs or they will be digging looking for the bones.
Blueberries will do ok in the edge of the shade. They provide a different texture and color.
Mulch on slopes. Hardwood mulch should stay just fine, unless a stream runs down the slope.
Hope this helps.
Hostas, caladiums, elephant ears do ok in some shade. They come as bulbs in a bag. Simple to plant. Throw some bone meal in the hole with them. Water the bone meal in right away if you have dogs or they will be digging looking for the bones.
Blueberries will do ok in the edge of the shade. They provide a different texture and color.
Mulch on slopes. Hardwood mulch should stay just fine, unless a stream runs down the slope.
Hope this helps.
tea3803
03-19-04, 09:52 AM
Elephant ears like damp feet, not a puddle. Caladiums will have to be taken up in the Fall ... I really don't think they will Winter over in Richmond. The ears should be heavily mulched to make it through ... but they will make it.
For wetter areas ... willows for trees, crape myrtle will do okay too, iris love water or drier areas, trumpet plants live anywhere. All I can think of for now!
For wetter areas ... willows for trees, crape myrtle will do okay too, iris love water or drier areas, trumpet plants live anywhere. All I can think of for now!