Easy flower gardening for an apartment complex?

Question

I live in an apartment complex that does ZERO landscaping - they don't even water the lawn.

SO - I started planting flowers and watering them myself.

I've planted some marigolds, geraniums, petunias and a few others.

I'm looking for some beautiful flowers that are easy but that can even climb some of the trees around here. I'm planning on planting a couple tulips as well.

Any ideas? I really do want to plant a "climber" that's easy to obtain and grow but am looking for some ideas. Even one that might climb and stick to a wall would be nice as the wall on the north side is barren and could really use some color behind the ugly bushes they have growing there.

Nobody's complained that I've done what I've done because it looks VERY nice actually!

The soil is so poor they don't even have to weed the flowerbeds because nothing grows, so I've mixed some potting soil in with the flowers I've planted, and they are starting to do quite nicely.

Answer 1

You might try a vinca (periwinkle).  They spread easily and have very pretty blue flowers.  I have one that has variegated leaves and I really like it.  Also, you can't go wrong with daylilies but personally I don't care for the stella de oros that you see everywhere.  There are millions of different kinds and they will come back year after year with almost no care.

Answer 2

clematis is a perennial that will grow on a trellis or morning glory is an annual that  might grow up a tree with enough light.

many kinds of ivy (english ivy)will grow on a wall and come back even after a snowfall.the only problem with plants that grow on walls without support is that to stick to the wall they put out tendrils that sometimes grow into the mortar or siding and can damage it.

Answer 3

my favorite vine is clematis. they won't climb on their own, or at least mine won't, but they only get around 8 to 12 feet long. so they don't over grow the other plants. english ivy grows really good in the shade so it may be your best bet if you are wanting to grow a vine up the north wall. just be careful with it, it may overrun the building in a few years.