I need some landscape ideas....

Question

I have 3 large pine trees in my back yard that are about 10 feet apart. I would like to make a flower bed of some kind but the tree roots are so big, and the entire area is shaded. I love the look of butterfly gardens but again ~ total shade! Any suggestions on what I should do? This area in my yard is so empty and blah... I would love to do something but not sure if I'm able too...

Answer 1

Use spray paint to mark out the garden bed.  Then dig out any grass & weeds and add fresh topsoil to the bed.  Do not bury the Pine trunks any deeper in soil than they are now.

Try the following perennials:

Astilbe (many different varieties)

Hosta (use some variegated ones)

Tricyrtis (delicate flower but very interesting)

Ferns

Bergenia

Also put in some spring flowering bulbs like Narcissus and Crocus

Good Luck (don't forget to keep everything well watered- the trees will take alot of water from your planting bed- mulch will help).

Answer 2

I had 3 evergreens (well established) removed from my garden without any problem whatsoever. (By a strong man!)

Then I drew a plan of the garden to scale on a piece of paper and planned paths, borders, driveway etc - and the shapes & sizes I wanted them to be.

Finally, when my "blank canvas" was filled in I could easier choose the types of plants/bushes etc that I wanted.

If I can - YOU CAN!

Best wishes.

Answer 3

You definitely need perennials -- versus shrubs that need deeper root systems -- and one that can take shade. The obvious are hostas, ferns -- look in catalogs to get unique varieties beyond the basic boring ones -- astilbes, huchera, sweet william ground cover all might work. Another thought is to take out on of the trees to give yourself more light. Then you might get that butterfly garden -- here's info on that:

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/gardening/Det...

Good luck!

Answer 4

BBC has a virtual garden. You can:

    *  Create your perfect garden

    * Choose the right plants for the right place

    * Design your own layout or adapt a template

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/

Have fun!