Hello Everyone!
As you all probably know, Cleon and I live in central Illinois so are in Growing Zone 5 - although I do push Zone 6 plants in protected areas and have had good success. I am a retired nurseryman and my specialty - and my love - has always been perennials and small shrubs. Annuals have never been my forte. Next spring, I am going to revamp the area around the large birdbath - you see much of it on the live-stream camera. I am - for sure! - going to add red - most particularly salvia (annual sage). There will be a humming birdfeeder added to that area and within camera range. I would like a lot of color besides red - I am sure you will all agree, the area is too bland and the concrete is too prominent. Do any of you use annuals in your gardens? Do you have any recommendations for me? To attract hummingbirds, other birds, butterflies, beneficial insects and of course lots of color! I am open to any suggestions!
Description of the area: Full sun (morning sun till on average about 2PM). Soil is well-drained, average garden soil. I do mulch.
To give me some suggestions, click on Reply and start typing! Remember, to Reply, you have to Logon and you can do that right here in Public Forum. If you need help, click on Get Started. I look forward to hearing from you and getting a plan together over the upcoming winter months. Plant buying in early May! I am already getting excited about turning this area into something lovely - and bird friendly, of course! And then cross my fingers we do not get hit with another terrible storm! Linda
P.S. A few of my friends asked me about the safety of their information if they register - and I can certainly understand the concern. Your email address will always remain hidden - only your user name will appear on your post. Your password is not accessible to anyone and that includes me. Your name and email address with NEVER be sold or shared with anyone. I have complete control and I promise.
Hello Everyone!
As you all probably know, Cleon and I live in central Illinois so are in Growing Zone 5 - although I do push Zone 6 plants in protected areas and have had good success. I am a retired nurseryman and my specialty - and my love - has always been perennials and small shrubs. Annuals have never been my forte. Next spring, I am going to revamp the area around the large birdbath - you see much of it on the live-stream camera. I am - for sure! - going to add red - most particularly salvia (annual sage). There will be a humming birdfeeder added to that area and within camera range. I would like a lot of color besides red - I am sure you will all agree, the area is too bland and the concrete is too prominent. Do any of you use annuals in your gardens? Do you have any recommendations for me? To attract hummingbirds, other birds, butterflies, beneficial insects and of course lots of color! I am open to any suggestions!
Description of the area: Full sun (morning sun till on average about 2PM). Soil is well-drained, average garden soil. I do mulch.
To give me some suggestions, click on Reply and start typing! Remember, to Reply, you have to Logon and you can do that right here in Public Forum. If you need help, click on Get Started. I look forward to hearing from you and getting a plan together over the upcoming winter months. Plant buying in early May! I am already getting excited about turning this area into something lovely - and bird friendly, of course! And then cross my fingers we do not get hit with another terrible storm! Linda
P.S. A few of my friends asked me about the safety of their information if they register - and I can certainly understand the concern. Your email address will always remain hidden - only your user name will appear on your post. Your password is not accessible to anyone and that includes me. Your name and email address with NEVER be sold or shared with anyone. I have complete control and I promise.
