re: my front yard

Hello:

I own a town home in Phoenixville, PA. I have a pretty small area out front, by my drive way, that receives at least 8 hours of sun per day, during the Spring and Summer months. I need suggestions please for hardy plants/shrubs/bushes, etc, to plant out there, as I have lost anything that is not tolerant of strong and full sun. Plants I have tried that have survived, are: my dwarf japanese maple, blue star junipers, japanese holly, and seasonally, mums and pansies. I have lost azalea bushes as they roast in the full sun, despite proper watering, it's just too much sun. I have lived in my home for 2 years, and both years have been a challenge in terms of keeping my garden thriving and successful. I recognize that I need to chose plants, low-lying shrubs, bushes, that can thrive in sun and are drought tolerant. I also would like low maintenance materials as well. Addtionally, I am not looking to plant any large, or tall trees, as again, the area in front of my home is pretty small, maybe the size of say two car lengths. As of today, it is snow covered, on top of black mulch, with the japanese maple, blue star juniper, a boulder, a japanese holly bush, and some dead azalea bushes. But, what I do want are attractive, easy to care for, shrubs, plants, flowers, etc, that will not just survive in the sun during warm temps, but also thrive.

Please offer suggestions....thank you all.

Have you thought about grasses? I have been considering using muhly grass. I do have the Aztec grass which is low growing and varigated that I love....It's evergreen too.

What style do you like? more formal, country???

Do you have a pic of the area?

I use the search features all the time on these online gardening sites to get ideas....you plug in your zone, sun requirements, height, even what colors your interested in....

http://www.bluestoneperennials.com/b/bp/index.html?id=N664cDPW
http://www.gardencrossings.com/

and these guys have great full sun/drought tolerant offerings...
http://www.highcountrygardens.com/

Thank you both for your responses, and good information. In terms of the grasses idea, my mistake, I did forget to mention that I do have 2 zebra grasses planted, which I do like, and are doing well. I forgot about them as they are currently buried under a foot of snow! But that's the course I am seeking to take, things like grasses, that are low maintenance, and do quite well in the full sun...can you suggest more plant material that fits that same criteria? Thanks.

As for a photo, I am trying to dig an old one up...currently its all snow covered.

here is a pic...

What about an eye catcher like a piece of art, bird house on a post, a large decorative pot, even a broken pot turned side ways.

I like Aztec grass since it is low growing and varigated.
I am planning on using more ornamental kale next year.
There is also a large aguja that will add color around the edges. It is evergreen here. Is this spot in shade or full sun?

I personally love daylilies, form nice neat clumps and there are soooo many to choose from, you can have something blooming almost all year...
best selection
http://www.oakesdaylilies.com/

and these guys have some awesome low growing evergreens
http://www.songsparrow.com/

A trellis or obelisk in the middle with clematis or morning glory on it would look good

I too love clematis and Japanese maples, but don't know anything about your "zone".
I have been looking for months for a book on landscaping, but haven't found what I want. Hmmm! Wish I could help.

Black eyed Susans will thrive in full sun.

BES' get kinda messy and spread like crazy if you don't deadhead them, I think she was looking for maintenance free

That's true, but they sure are easy! I cut them for the house and that trims them back really well. You can't kill 'em. haha

And here are a few more zone 6 hardy full sun perennials for you.

http://www.midwestgardentips.com/best_performing_perennials_n-z.html

Hello All....I had/have currently, two azalea bushes in my front yard, does anyone know if I should expect them to re-grow this Spring after our brutal PA winter? Odds of them coming back, good or bad? Should I just rip them out now, or is there a chance? Thanks!

One way to approch this is to simply repeat what you already know works. Repetition creates impact and demonstates a sure hand. At least I have loved landscapes with lots of repetition. And especially in front yards.

If the azalea is one of the ones for northern climates (like the Northern Lights series) then it's plenty hardy and should have survived your winter no problem. But there are some other types that wouldn't be hardy in your zone or would be very borderline, so if it's one of those then it may not come back. Even if it's a less hardy one, I'd wait until spring is well underway to give it a chance, it would be hard to tell for sure at this point whether it'll come back or not and if you like them then there's no reason not to hold off a few months and give them a chance. Sometimes plants will surprise you.

Azaleas are generally hardy through to zone 5. There are some that only make it to zone 6, but that being said I agree with e-crane. Give them a chance, especially if yours are deciduous.

http://www.midwestgardentips.com/best_performing_shrubs.html Scroll down for info on azaleas.

Hello:

In Pennsylvania, in the Chester County region, can you tell me when in the Spring, japanese crimson pygmy bushes will begin to bloom? I have three of them, and no signs of life as of yet. Thanks, all!

Jeff