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Beautifing neighbor's property
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Posted by Scorpgirl24 z7NJ (My Page) on Mon, Nov 22, 04 at 22:47
Hi!
Our driveway borders a 6x12'area that belongs to my neighbor. He said we could treat it as our own since we are the only ones who see it or really have access to it. I have planted some wildflower mixes and have thrown seedheads in the area, with some success. The problem is,it is shaded by a cedar tree for most of the day. The soil is very acidic and has a lot of moss. Does anyone have any suggestions to beautify this area that will be cost efficient and easy to maintain? I would like color and something that will return year after year. I would go further with some bushes and shrubs, but am concerned that my neighbor will someday sell. Thanks! Jo |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Beautifing neighbor's property
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| I've got a similar situation. I'm in a rental and I'm both broke and frugal, so I can't/won't put a lot of money into the ground. Most of the garden seems to be in the shade but I want color. You could hang out on the New Jersey forum and maybe make some swaps or get some free shrubs or hostas, etc. You may have to travel a bit for a spring plant swap, but the freebies should be worth it. The garden centers should still have some decent shade perennials left at a huge discount. Finding some cheap rhodies or azales would be good. The Gardening in Shade forum has some great info in the FAQ so you could make up a wish list before you go. They may be overdone, but annuals like impatiens and coleus would be easy and cheap for you in the shade, and I'm sure they tolerate acid well because they grow around here like gangbusters next to the azaleas, etc. You might also want to check out Freecycle to see what's near you. I've received several plants from people getting rid of excess plants that have fit right into my garden. Done rambling for now ;-) |
Here is a link that might be useful: Freecycle
RE: Beautifing neighbor's property
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| Barb has some great suggestions. A seed swap might be your best bet. People are always willing to send extra seeds this time of year. Right now I have daylilies that do wonderfully in shade. They bloom their heads off and smell great. Best of all, they're almost maintenance free. And very hardy. Lily of the valley make a great groundcover and have fragrant blooms in May. Hostas are always nice. I also have spiderwort growing in my shade garden. It does quite well. I only have a purple variety right now, but looking to branch out into other colors. Heucherellas do well in shade and have cute little flowers. Those are all perennials and might be hard to come by in seed form. About how much sun does this section of garden get during a day? You might be able to push it and try some part sun plants (from seed, that way you're not investing much) and see what happens. What you could also do is just lay mulch or stone down, decorate with some statuary and a bench and make a sort of peaceful zen type garden. I have seen those with very minimal planting and they are beautiful. |
RE: Beautifing neighbor's property
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| I was doing some reading over at the azalea/rhodie forum and someone put up a link to a website with good info. On that website is a section that lists companion plants. These plants tolerate acid and shade. |
Here is a link that might be useful: Azalea Companion Plants on Henning's Website
RE: Beautifing neighbor's property
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| Aside from traditional shade flowers, I have found some of the more aggressive sun-lovers will also bloom in shade, but much more demurely. Samples are mints, ornamental oregano, and black-eyed Susans. People usually have extras of these at plant swaps and it's a nice way to add color. Monica |
RE: Beautifing neighbor's property
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Hi Jo
You have gotten some great ideas and responses to your situation. Since the area is not that big I would keep my eyes open and if you find a bargin this spring on shrubs (azalea/rhodie), I would go ahead and buy a few for the spot. That, along with lov and a few hostas (they will multiply) So what if you neighbor sells, you still get the view of the area and it's not likely the new neighbor will rip it out if it looks nice. |
RE: Beautifing neighbor's property
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I ditto all the above. While I go to small nurseries for my best plants, I'm not above picking up a 'bargain bag' at the big box stores. This past spring I found Sum & Subsance, Frances Williams, and Revolution all being sold at Wmrt in bags for @$5 labeled 5 but with careful dividing I got 7-8 in each bag. They are often immature sets so may take a couple of years to achieve the mature coloration & stature but it was a good deal for space fillers. Another thought is to go to some of the forums you would find these plants in and check the exchange lists. I've found folks to be most generous even when you have nothing to trade and growing from perennials from seed is often a surprise.
Good Luck,
Will |
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