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Beginner Landscaping: Help on ideas for small bed

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Forum: Beginner LandscapingReplies: 7, Views: 95
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gen2026
Camden, AR

March 17, 2008
9:11 AM

Post #4673931

I spent yesterday digging up and preparing a small bed between a sidewalk and the garage of my house. It is where we walk into the house almost everyday - but it faces west and will get FULL HOT Sun this summer. The bed is small - only about 30 -36 inches wide. I would like to have a few evergreens or something in there for winter interest - since I have to walk by it everyday. But I would welcome suggestions on what else might look nice, smell nice, etc without over crowding such a small area. Height is not really an issue since the wall is probably 12+ ft but the width may be a problem... The lenght is probably close to 14 - 16 ft. I am thinking about putting about 3 daylilies in here, MAYBE some cannas for height, but I also dont want it to look totally dead in the winter. I even considered 4 oclocks, but was afraid they would be come too wide for the area... it has been a long time since i have had any of those growing (25+ yrs) so I am not sure if I remember correctly.

Suggestions?? I would love this to look cheerful and inviting after a long day at work!

Thanks for any help you can provide.
Genna
So Arkansas
pastime
Waterman, IL
(Zone 5a)

March 17, 2008
9:39 AM

Post #4674029

How about lining out Boxwoods along the edge. There are varieties that stay small and they're evergreen too. Mine are in full sun also.
NatureLover1950
Vicksburg, MS
(Zone 8a)

March 17, 2008
5:52 PM

Post #4675776

There are several types of nice dwarf evergreen shrubs that would work well in such a small area. And since it's so long, how about trying a couple of trellises with climbers (clematis, Mexican Flame vine, etc.)? That would add some real nice height behind your dwarf shrubs.
gen2026
Camden, AR

March 18, 2008
11:17 AM

Post #4678390

Sounds like a good idea ... I had thought about this but wasn't sure how it would look... I love clematis, but not familiar with the Mexican Flame vine ...I will need to look that one up.
]
Thanks
Genna
NatureLover1950
Vicksburg, MS
(Zone 8a)

March 18, 2008
3:22 PM

Post #4679285

Hey gen,
Post pictures when you get done. Bet it's going to be real pretty. Good luck with it.
missingrosie
Hillsborough, NC

March 18, 2008
10:21 PM

Post #4680813

Could you grow lavender in your zone? Fragrant daphne? cotoneaster, quince? augustache? Sort of a colorful bed that wouldn't require much water and likes the heat? I even have two pomegrante trees tall and lean that don't require much care - great hot orange flowers (the pomegranates are not so pretty).
gen2026
Camden, AR

April 2, 2008
11:49 AM

Post #4745979

That is a different idea for sure... I will check into that - thanks for the info. Not sure that the hydrangea would survive on that west wall though. Around here, most hydreangeas I see get the afternoon shade...?? Not that familiar with them though, so I will read on it.

Thanks
Genna
zenpotter
Minneapolis, MN
(Zone 4b)

April 5, 2008
3:47 PM

Post #4762147

There is a saying that clematis like sun for their head and shade for their feet. You definitely would have to shade their feet.

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