Friday, June 13, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by lahbluebonnet

I would forget the landscape cloth. I used a lot of that when I moved here...and all the weeds grew right through that stuff. Mulch is what keeps the weeds away and the moisture in. If a weed does sneak in, it's usually straggly because of the mulch and easy to pull. Looks like a shady area. The hosta is great. In my shade areas I have planted as much stuff with white to brighten the dark shade. Caladiums with white (bulbs are cheaper if it's not too late to plant them), impatience and begonias love the shade...I'd get white or light pink. There are white morning glory type of vines that I think bloom at night. You can get them as seeds and check into that. Those are at the top of my head. Basically check the shade section of the nursery. Would a white hydrangea type work? Or a peony? I'm trying to think if they like shade. I love them and they are huge! They would fill the big spaces if they like shade. Perrenials are pricey but if you can afford one, it will be cheaper in the long one because it will overwinter and return in the spring...like I assume your hostas are doing. =) Blessings, Laurie

• Permanent Link

Saturday, June 14, 2008 - Dreaming....

Posted by jenn4him

I agree with Laurie's suggestions. I'd also go get a book from the library on shade gardens. There are lots of ferns you could plant too and my dear spring blooming Bleeding Heart. Lily of the Valley is so delicate looking and loves shade. The first thing I'd do is get something to create a walkway, like some smooth flat stones. If I were then allowed to dream more, I'd plant moss between the steps or something that would fill in one day. Then after walking through the ferns and hosta and an occasional bleeding heart, you'd reach the back where there would be a comfortable bench or couple of chairs and a small table, all found at garage sales. (Oh, this is getting good now!) Ivy also loves shade, so I'd plant some somewhere. I imagine myself sitting down with you to chat and drink some iced tea (decaf with a spring of mint.) How's that sound? Jenn

• Permanent Link

Saturday, June 14, 2008 - I agree...........

Posted by ilovemy3angelbabies

with Jenn on a walkway. Perhaps you can find some recycled flagstone or slate like you did your tiles? And how a few scented herbs that thrive in shade so when you walk..........mmmmmmmmmm....AWESOME!! Here are a few suggestions: Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) Chives Parsley Sweet Woodruff - this has such a wonderful aroma to it. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) it is very aromatic

• Permanent Link

Saturday, June 14, 2008 - :)

Posted by CarpeBanana

good luck on this project. I have no useful advice. The only way I could hope to keep an area boy-free would involve planting poison ivy. And I am not enough of a gardener to know how that would fare in the conditions you have available.

• Permanent Link

Sunday, June 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by blessedwith2angels

Hmmm.... maybe one of those relaxing firepits on the side with lots of chairs around it would be nice. Pam

• Permanent Link

Sunday, June 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by lcourtneymom

I know absolutely nothing about plants, but I would certainly put a nice bench or small swing back there to relax in. :-) How about a pretty little fountain in the midst of the plants you choose?

• Permanent Link

Sunday, June 15, 2008 - Garden

Posted by pathoflife

My dad just gave me a marvelous idea for my new garden, He said to plant corn all around the border of the garden. He said it will make walls that keep all the pests out and enclose the garden like walls, I loved the idea, just thought I would share!

• Permanent Link

Monday, June 16, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by kimalita

Oh so you dont like it the way it is ----- ok! Well how about a walk way of some sort. Some stones are pricey, but there are others resonably priced. Maybe put some ground cover that you can walk on, have you seen those? We have them and love it! Ground cover is great b/c it fills in quickly and spreads -- and many of them bloom so you have beautiful flowers. We have it throughout our flower garden and whats nice is you can cut a small piece out and MOVE IT and it will grow and spread in that area as well. So you never have to buy more. Hmmm looks like a shady place back there so look at your local garden center for shade plants/ground clover. What about a sitting area? Maybe a seating are for two -- so you and hubby can sit out back and relax a bit and have some alone time. A couple of small chairs and table...maybe some lightening or even a water feature. I love the sound of water. You can make a fountain out of a whiskey barrel for cheap -- i had one for a few years, but am now upgrading to a pond with an overflow. Hmmm.....whatelse. A bird bath might be nice if you enjoy watching the birdies. Maybe get a shade tree, unless you already have a tree back there, can't remember now. Also you can use that fabric to keep the weeds away or use the GOOD weed spray. We are fabric-ing our entire backyard, well where we didnt put in grass and it's worked everytime we've used it.( half the yard is done, its a HUGE yard ) We have all sun plants and flowers so I'm not sure on the exact names of things....oh and grasses. There are tons of neat grasses you can get that look wonderful. We have zebra grass and feathered grasses --- of course those are sun but oyu can find shade ones. They look gerat and not a lot of work. Hope you get lots of ideas!

• Permanent Link

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by kellieann

How 'bout a lap pool? =) Just kidding...I have no idea! I'm terrible at landscaping...that's Big D's department.

• Permanent Link

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by ilovemy3angelbabies

I know exactly what you need back there...................My apt! ROFLOL! Love ya!

• Permanent Link

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by kimalita

Yea, if you've got birds around there must be nests around. Our neighborhood is so new that sometimes I think the birds have a difficult time finding places to build nests -- I suppose thats why they are resorting to people's flower baskets! I'm looking forward to hearing, & seeing, what you decide to do with your secret garden...... Have a JOY filled day!

• Permanent Link

Tuesday, June 17, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by SuzyScribbles

What would I do? I'd wander around, think of all the work it entails, and then go in and write a book. :-) (I like Veggie gardens but not landscaping). Sorry, I was NO help, was I?

• Permanent Link