one more area that needs help

needs color i think but this area is full sun and drains horribly.

Maybe heucheras?

Replace the small pot by the garage with a large (whiskey barrel size) one and plant a mannerly climbing rose, a clematis, or both together! That would give you a lot of color and drama while you figure out what else might love the full sun and bad drainage.

Edit to Add: I'm not sure I'd add anything else for awhile - I think that might be all you want to do.

This message was edited Jun 11, 2009 12:30 PM

Jesse,
You need access to the shrubbery in back for pruning purposes, so anything that would get in your way is out of the question. I personally like the trailing lantanas, either purple or white, but they might get too large (not tall, just sprawl) for your purposes.
If this were my bed, I'd take out the shrubs and Elephant Ears, leave the small tree (if it will stay relatively small and not overpower the bed and house) and the grass, try to amend the soil to help drainage, and put in another small ornamental grass along the front (Mexican feather grass) and then go to town with small shrub roses or salvia greggii, which comes in a range of colors. Since this is a small bed, you probably don't want too many different colors in it, but you could do something interesting with different tones of the same color. The beige brick is a perfect background for almost any color you choose.

I have thought about taking out the hedges, but that would be a huge job and would require the assistance of my very uncooperative husband. The thing that looks like a tree is actually a rose bush. It was here when i moved in. It usually has deep red roses but it rarely has roses on it. Usually 2 at a time. I think they put it there to cover a hole in the hedges in that corner. Anyways, I loved the idea about the bigger container but the problem is absolutely no money. My husband just changed jobs, well actually he started his own business so finances are a bit tight right now. Well, thank you so much for the advice! I will definately try to use some of the ideas in the near future!

Jessnjus - my husband just made me a HUGE planter and two smaller ones using plywood. Home Depot actually has an area for what they call "Cull Wood" - the pieces are never more than a couple of dollars and sometimes as little as 50 cents - anyone in the lumber department can show you what they have. My husband found enough for one of the small boxes in there. The planter is 2'x2'x27" and he lined it with plastic, drilled holes in the bottom, and painted it a nice sunset melon color for me,

All I'm saying is - we're ALL in the same boat this time around and I sure understand not wanting to waste money.

PS: If you think about doing something like this and talk to the head of the Lumber Department about what you're trying to make, they'll sometimes "create" cull lumber for you.....hint, hint.

Jesse,
Who says we have to do everything right now? You can think about this area, research some plants that interest you, and even sit down with a piece of paper and draw up your "ideal" garden. Your husband has more on his mind right now than gardening. He'll do well with his new venture and be more interested in the future.
My husband and I bought a run-down small farm and are trying to bring it back--I know what you mean about tight money! We recycle, re-use and fix-up everything we can. Mocatmom's idea about HD's cull wood will be looked into, and thanks, Mocatmom!

That is a really great idea mocatmom!!! Although I just ran it by my husband and he doesn't seem to be too excited about this new edition to his 'honey do list'. lol. It would be great if you could post a pic!

Thanks again all!

Walk around the neighborhood and ask some folks about what they have. See if they might be willing to trade. Great ice breaker and might make some friends by accident. Also google garden clubs in your area. Call and ask if you can come to a meeting or two as a guest or visitor. Show your pick around and describe area soil and drainage. Take pad and pen you will get plenty of suggestions and maybe an offer or two for trades. Can't get any less expensive than trade a little of this for that.

I'll try to find my camera and get a picture for you, Jess - in the meantime, here's the website we used for the general idea. We modified the plans to create one large central planter and two smaller ones for flexibility. Hint: put casters on them. Did my husband take this hint from me? Noooooo......

http://woodworking.about.com/od/woodworkingplansdesigns/ss/PlanterBoxPlans.htm

This message was edited Jun 15, 2009 2:02 PM