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Annuals/What to plant

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Expert: - 4/4/2009


Question
I have a large traiangular corner of the yard flower bed.  Until last year, it was a shady flower bed due to the fact that it was anchored by a large, old redbud tree that was blown over last year.  My entire yard is pretty much shade or partial shade.  I have little experience with the placement of flowers because of using just pachysandra and impatiens.  Now that this flower bed is in full sun, and because it's large, I don't know where to begin.  Add to that a large rock that is near the back in the corner that I want to keep.  I don't just want a mish mash of flowers in this large corner bed.  Perhaps some perennials would be good as well (less work for me).  Any suggestions?

Answer
With some exceptions, perennials are, unfortunately, rarely the answer to plant selection.  Few perennials are really perennial.  You do pay thru the nose for these, but they are not the bang for the buck they ought to be.

If you have a favorite, of course, let me know and I'll advise on that further.

However, it would be more for less if you selected a woody shrub, either evergreen or deciduous.  You did not mention where you are growing this plot, but that determines what your choices are.  I need to know more.  rsvp

THE LONG ISLAND GARDENER

Annuals

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Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Decisions, decisions... If you can't make up your mind which Annuals to grow, you're not alone. Problem with your new flowering Annuals flats? I`ve been there, done that. Petunias, Sweet Alyssum, Larkspur, Marine Blue Lobelia -- they all grow here at my house on Garden Street on Long Island, N.Y.. Cutting and Cottage Gardens, Sun and Shade Gardens, White Gardens and Night Gardens, I`ve done them all. Annuals are the perfect summer flower, bursting with color June through fall's first frost. I can`t speak on Cactus or tender Tropical Plants -- they don`t grow outside in my Zone 7. I`m no Farmer, so I cannot guide you on Fruits and Vegetables. But whether it`s an Annual you want to start from seed, mail-order or pick up at your local garden center, I can help you grow amazing blooms this Summer. Yes, together, we can turn your neighbors green with envy.

Experience

I have a lifetime of gardening behind me here on the North Shore of Long Island. While I have degrees in related fields, there's nothing like hands-on work to build real knowledge. I stay on top of current science -- there's a boom in research, and Kingdom Plantae is filled with surprises. By the way, I really do live on Garden Street.

Publications
Gannett newspapers, The New York Times, and hundreds of others - but not on Annuals.

Education/Credentials
B.A., botany; graduate credits in European Intellectual History and Political Science; minor coursework in related fields, docent training at our local botanical gardens (required for volunteers). I'm currently working on an advanced biochemistry degree.

Awards and Honors
I could tell you, but then you'd know who I am.

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