Expert: Mike Mascio - 9/18/2006

Question
hi mike
greetings from ireland
i look after a park which is very bland
i want to have some colour next summer
i was thinking loads of poppys
perhaps yuo could advise me
i understand sowing poppy seeds is a matter of scattering the seed
thats what i want as i am restriced from digging
how and when do i sow  and is there anything
else i can sow which will blast the village with colour  cheers jak

Answer
Poppies are an excellent choice. So are wildflowers, pansies, petunias, and vinca. All provide vibrant colors and are very hardy and carefree. One other annual that I always grow is salvia. This annual comes primarily in red, but the color is very bright and the blooms are abundant.

Park Seed has an excellent catalog with color photos of numerous annuals and perennials. The catalog is free through their website.

http://www.parkseed.com

In regard to sowing, there really is no need to dig as long as the seed makes good contact with the soil. I would simply scatter the seed and then lightly rake the top of the soil to ensure contact.

I applaud your efforts in improving the park's landscape. I wish you the best of luck.

Regards,

Mike