First time gardening? How can I clear the weeds and pick the best flowers?

Question

I'm moving into a duplex and we have flower "boxes" along the side of our house. The boxes face the north and there is a house right next door so I'm guessing there will be a lot of shade.

The boxes are completely covered in weeds and have not been taken care of in a long time. Should I just empty everything out and start fresh? If so, what kinds of flowers will be low-maintenance? Can I grow herbs?

I've never done this before and would absolutely appreciate any advice you'd like to give! Thanks!

Answer 1

You are right to suggest to pull everything out and start fresh. Determining whether if you have full shade or part shade will make all the difference.

In full shade ferns, hostas,  or mother-in-law tongues will work.

In part shade I would use callalilys, marigolds, or any flowering plant for color.

I would suggest for easier care for weeds is to use those liners you can cut and shape to fit in your flowering box-you can find those cheap at your nearest Rual King- but don't forget to cut out holes for your plants. And then when its down and set you can decorate any way you want but either laying down stones or pebbles, or you can lay down mulch.

Maybe, in August would be too late unless you by a plant that is bulb-not seed-grown. The plant that is grown by seed, llike a moon flower, will not survive too long and they never come back next season, but bulb plants, like easter lilies(or any lily) will come back twice(double) next season.

Answer 2

Empty out the whole thing and start with fresh quality potting soil.

Herbs should do OK unless you are in TOTAL shade.

Here's your first step, research what "zone" you are in.  Search gardening zone map, or your state and "gardening zone".  This is going to help you determine which plants will survive in your area.  

Next know that plants are either perennial (meaning they come back year after year) or are annual meaning they generally complete their growth in one year and die (some seed easily).  For shade, if your looking for a lot of color and you have moisture there, I would highly recommend impatiens they take care of and seed themselves year after year.  If your looking for attractive foliage I would go with hostas they'll send out nice lavender colored flowers on tall spikes generally as well...both of these would come back year after year and require little to nothing on your part.

Herbs are really easy to grow and require little care although they are generally considered to be annuals and die off in Winter.  With the exception of rosemary which might make it through a few winters in a container depending upon your climate.

Simply search "shade garden" plants.  You will be able to determine what is suitable based upon your gardening zone.  

Good luck, gardening can be really fun and rewarding.