New beds - Need planting advice

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malsdad Chesterfield, VA Apr 20, 2008

As you see in my picture, I have just planted a long line of arborvitae and have provided a bed the entire length. The picture doesn't show the entire length. I want to have a good show of black eyed susans and purple coneflower as the main backdrop and some smaller flowering border plants along the front of the beds. So.... How should I space the susans and coneflower? Should I do 10 feet of one and then 10 feet of another or what? What makes the nicest appearance? How big does one rooted plant get? Any ideas for the front low flowering plants? Any and all ideas welcome. As you can see, I have a huge area to fill :)

Also, I see bare root susans and coneflower(2nd & 3rd season) for sale online rather cheap. Should I go this way or spend more money on a more established plant?

Thanks!

Rod

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Apr 22, 2008

Rod~ the direction of the sun facing your arborvitae most of the day will influence your bed depth and length for growing flowers. The winter snows and ice affects the arborvitae. Note some are missing large branches, some are significantly shorter due to varying sun perspectives. These are about 5-6 years mature from planting. Just a note, be sure to educate yourself about bagworms and yearly treatment, as they love arborvitae and will take them down to the Death if left untreated! I do have sun loving perennials emerging, one being coneflower,so rudbeckias will do as well. Also, I have many shade loving perennials and annuals in that bed as well. This is only part of the bed, so you can get an idea of what I'm describing. Note there is a peace rose waking up, with cottage pinks and bachelor buttons. Behind and to the side the rose, are hostas emerging. Further up the hedge (out of view) the Japanese maple is beginning to bud and the larkspurs are germinating while further down ( also out of view) the digitalis and sweet alyssums are waking up.Just the same, welcome the changing opportunities for both shade and sun perennials along with annuals in your bed as the arbovitae grow in height and width.

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