Changing the Front Yard Colors

[Gen]

Re: Changing the Front Yard Colors

not feeling the black mulch eedah

[mountaingal]

Re: Changing the Front Yard Colors

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nylah</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Yes, the front gets alot of sun during the summer, although it is also windy.

I moved the Peony bush that used to under the window to the backyard because of it.

And I had two shumac shrubs at the base of the stairs that died off because of the wind
</div></div>

Howdy, Nylah. here's some advice from one of mi gardening bibles, Great Canadian Plant Guide:

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> PLANTS FOR EXPOSED SITUATIONS

Gardens exposed to strong winds, especially cold ones, make gardening difficult. Choose compact varieties that require less staking, and avoid large-leaved plants that may be damaged.

Late-flowering cultivars will not be caught by spring frosts. Protect plants with netting when planting and in winter to reduce damage, and plant hedges and screens as windbreaks.</div></div>

soon come wid some recommended plants.

[angieke]

Re: Changing the Front Yard Colors

Go to Home Depot and see what you like. That is what I do

[Nylah]

Re: Changing the Front Yard Colors


applepie and Gen, I already have red mulch and I hate it. It is dreary looking and when it fades it looks washed out and ugly. (See pictures)The red mulch doesnt look nice with the flowers and shrub that I have along the walkway.

The black mulch I thought would pop against bright colored flowers like red and white and purple.

I just picked up a few bags and will test drive it this weekend. The mulch is cheap so if I dont like it it wont kill me.

My next option is white pebbles.


MGee- thanks for the tip I seemed to learn things the hard way and after some serious dolloars have been spent

Those sumacs were expensive as hell to lose

[Nylah]

Re: Changing the Front Yard Colors

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: angieke</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Go to Home Depot and see what you like. That is what I do </div></div>


this what I do already and it isnt good cause then I just end up with a mis mash of plants and colors. I want controlled chaos this summer

[Nylah]

Re: Loops I bought an Edger


now what the heck do I do with the thing?

[mountaingal]

Re: Loops I bought an Edger

Shrub: <span style="font-weight: bold">Potentilla fruticosa Abbotswood</span> - hardy to Zone 2b

Cultivars of P. fruticosa are compact and rounded, deciduous shrubs that produce an abundance of flowers over a long period from late spring to mid-autumn. The leaves are dark green and composed of several oblong leaflets. Flowers are saucer-shaped and wild-rose like, sometimes borne singly, but often in clusters of three. Most cultivars are yellow-flowered but blooms may be white as with Abbotswood, or flushed with pink, as with Daydawn. These are undemanding shrubs that make invaluable additions to mixed or shrub borders; they can also be grown as attractive low hedges.

Grow in well-drained, poor to moderately fertile soil. Best in full sun, but many tolerate partial shade. Trim lightly after flowering, cutting older wood to the base and removing weak, twiggy growth. Old shrubs respond well to renovation, but may be better replaced.

Abbotswood


Daydawn

[mountaingal]

Re: Loops I bought an Edger

Shrub: Philadelphus Snowbelle, hardy to Z4

Also called Mock Orange. Scented, double white flowers in clusters on upright branches. I have this one.

[mountaingal]

Re: Loops I bought an Edger

BTW - going by the plant guide, u live in Zone 3. U mite could get away wid Zone 4 plants if the area is really sunny.

[mountaingal]

Re: Loops I bought an Edger

Low shrub/ground cover, Erica Carnea Foxhollow, hardy to Zone 4.

The low-growing, early flowering heaths are evergreen shrubs valued for their urn shaped flowers in winter and spring. E. carnea Foxhollow carries yellow, bronze tipped foliage that turns a deep orange in cold weather. Has pink flowers in spring.

[Nylah]

Re: Loops I bought an Edger


These are gorgeous MGee

I also like the Abbotswood shrub as well

I have found that I can get away with Zone 4 as long as I mulch before the snow sets in. And with the fence up in the backyard I can get away with it more.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: MGee</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Shrub: Philadelphus Snowbelle, hardy to Z4

Also called Mock Orange. Scented, double white flowers in clusters on upright branches. I have this one.


</div></div>

[mountaingal]

Re: Loops I bought an Edger

Perennial: <span style="font-weight: bold">Aster alpinus</span>

This spreading, clump forming perennial is grown for its mass of daisylike, purplish blue or pinkish purple flowerheads with deep yellow centers. These are borne on upright stems in early and mi-summer above short stalked, narrow mid-green leaves. A low growing aster, it is suitable for the front of a border or in a rock garden.

Grow in well-drained moderately fertile soil, in sun. Mulch annually after cutting back in autumn.

[Nylah]

Re: Loops I bought an Edger

you know I had the asters in last year and had to rip the damn things out

Those things spread like weeds and smother anything in its path Just when you think you have seen the last of them they pop up again.

They are quite pretty though.

[mountaingal]

Re: Loops I bought an Edger

Shrub: <span style="font-weight: bold">Sambucus Nigra Guincho Purple</span> hardy to zone 4

Also known as purple elderberry.

This popular cultivar of the common elder is an upright shrub with dark green, divided leaves; these turn black-purple then red in autumn. In early summer, musk-scented pink-tinged white flowers are borne in large flatted clusters, followed by small black fruits. Elders are ideal in new gardens because they establish themselves in a short space of time.

They tend to shoot out horizontal branches.

Grow in any fertile soil, in sun or partial shade. For the best foliage effect, either cut all stems to the ground in winter or prune out old stems and reduce length of young shoots by half.








wonder if this is what they use for sambucca or elderberry wine?

[mountaingal]

Re: Loops I bought an Edger

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Nylah</div><div class="ubbcode-body">you know I had the asters in last year and had to rip the damn things out

Those things spread like weeds and smother anything in its path Just when you think you have seen the last of them they pop up again.

They are quite pretty though. </div></div>

o yea. i think i had some yellow ones, very beautiful when they first bloom then get very straggly. became ruthless in picking off the flower heads before they dropped the seeds, and actually, managed pretty much to eliminate them - so i kind of miss them now.

anyhoo, that's it for now, sounds like compact shrubs are ur best bet if u really have a bad wind problem.

i'd advise u to check ur local nursery but i've found dem ppl no really know enuff fi advise u. unless u go to the independents, but the ronas and home depots,

looking forward to ur final look!