Northeast Gardening: Blank Canvas Needs Help!, 0 by wcorbin

wcorbin wrote:
I have recently taken ownership of an abandoned Victorian house in central Vermont (Zone 5a) with a side yard that is reached by steps off the wrap-around terrace and I think it would be beautiful as an English cottage garden with large bushy plants & flowers. The soil is very rich but it is mostly shaded at the edges due to neighboring house, trees, etc. I can't count on much sun except in the middle which has a nice carpet of green grass.

I would love someone to help me with my plant purchasing for this spring... I am looking for big show with little maintenance. I really like the overflowing look. I have read many suggestions on this site, and I thought maybe someone would like to design this blank canvas! The rock wall on the right would be a great backdrop, and I will be painting the house's exterior wall on the left (now white) a colonial blue. This area is sort of private and enclosed, so I'm not worried about "matching" anything.

I'd love some help! (Huge Caveat: I'm on a very tight budget!)