What can I do now for next year? landscaping on a low budget

Question

I have rented an apt. with a little front yard,that has a cement walkway to my apt., and the apt. below mine. Wherever it isn't cement, it is weeds (right now they are up to my waist). My landlord doesn't do anything about it except for an occasionally run a weed wacker. I have totally given up for this summer. Can I do something now on the cheap to begin again for next summer (or even this fall)?

Answer 1

Decide where you would like a flower bed, and then pull all the weeds in that area.  In the Fall, buy some Spring bulbs, and plant them, and then put down some mulch over the bulbs.  Don't over-mulch, an inch is plenty.  Mix in some Summer blooming perennials, and it will be pretty most all warm months.

Best check with the landlord first so you're all on the same page.  Also, in the "lawn", you could ask if you could try and improve that, too.  Overseeding in the Fall may help a lot, just spreading seed with a rotary hand spreader.  If the area is fairly small, you can just pull the weeds.  In the course of a year, you can make a big difference.

Answer 2

weed the bed then put down preen granuals($15 at lows)put down 2 to 3" of mulch then put more preen on top, this will keep the weeds down to a minimum. you can normaly find free mulch through your county matnince. dose not matter if it is treated not your house. do that this fall. find some seeds of plants you like start them inside in jan/feb you will have tons of plants for next spring. also ornamental grass covers alot of space not much upkeep and looks good.