starting a new bed in old doggie area

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womanonamission Homewood, IL May 10, 2014

OK, I pretty much have given up on grass in my doggie area of the yard and would like to extend my beds by creating an extended mulched area with stone scattered throught. I would like a couple of shrubs in the area. I've learned that my Lemon Princess spirea is practically immune to the occasional "spray" from male mini schnauzer so that will probably be the shrub I put in this area especially since I have them popping up in yard (free plants!). I have other prolific plants ( lovage., tarragon & columbine) that could be used. The area has an eastern exposure but gets shaded by house & an oak tree midday. Plants growing nearby include tree peonies, corydalis, hosta, amsonia, lavender & smoke bush. It is near a water source but I would prefer to rely on rain & the tried & true prolific plants in yard.

My question to Dave's gardeners is how do amend soil with minimal effort and budget?

My idea is to put down a layer of newsprint & cardboard then cover with a two inch layer of mulch. Most of the vegetation in this area is dead save a few Dandelions, Herb Robert (Stinky Bob), ground ivy & other weeds. Wherever I want to put a plant I was thinking just to amend that planting hole rather than the entire bed. The soil probably is high in nitrogen but I am assuming that may dwindle in time.

Any thoughts? I am putting down paper & mulch today because I am bit at my limit with the muddy paws but can wait on transplanting.

Thanks for any advice.
womanonamission

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