Posted by MEADOW VIEW on May 28, 19100 at 20:57:13:
In Reply to: large flower bed question posted by Sharon on May 26, 19100 at 15:08:51:
: I have a large kidney shaped flower bed. After several years, I am completely reworking it. About 8 years ago we planted 2 red maples (thigh size) in the wide, front end. Since then we have 2 more volunteer trees that look like some type of oaks (wrist size). (I said it was large.) Anyway, between the maples, I have 2 large stands of iris, a rose bush with yellow roses, and some of the multi-colored non-flowering shade-loving annuals. Around the base of the maples I've planted miniature azaleas. At the narrow end of the bed, I have azaleas surrounding the oak. Annuals ring the edge of the flower bed. Moving from this oak back towards the maples, I have a large area of lilies and cannas. Also ringing this area are daffodils.
I'm trying to get smarter this time around and limit the number of annuals to have to deal with each year. Between the azaleas we're putting down the weed barrier cloths. Now, I still have a 6 x 10 foot area between the lillies/cannas and stuff between the maples. We live in the northern Alabama area, very near the Tennessee border.
Have you got any suggestions on what to put in this area? My initial reaction is rose bushes. It receives partial sun. We went to one of the cotton gins, got cottonseed hulls they've mulched, then tilled it into the red clay of the yard. I'm looking for color and low maintenance. Thanks in advance.
SHARON: It sounds like you have a beautiful spot. You are missing my favorite, no maintenance plants....Daylilies(Hemerocalis) not to be confused with the common tiger lilies you see along the roadside.
Try some of the newer varieties, they are a knock out. You might also use some early blooming perennials that will give you early spring color and will not have to be replaced. These in combinaton with the daylilies will make a major contribution to your garden. MVG Plant Dr.