Helen asks…

Anyone have a vegetable garden in a hot dry climate?

I live in the desert and I'm hoping to plant veggies this season. I'm wondering what does well in a hot, dry climate. I have proper planters, gardening soil, and shade but I'm not sure what I want to plant yet. My garden space is about 30 square feet. Any advice?

landscapeliving answers:

As long as you have plenty of water most veggies will do well. It the sun is too hot for some plants you can always add an open weave fabric over those plants to give a bit of shade.

Your local Master Gardeners program (see below) can be a big help in your efforts.

Daniel asks…

How to choose plants for specific areas in my garden ?

My garden is quite small and has a lot of large trees in it which use up all the water. The only plants I have managed to grow are bluebells and a strange yellow daisy that looks like a sunflower but has thick yellow roots and comes up every year. Both have became a problem and have engulfed the whole garden. Are there any plants that will grow well in dry nutrient depleted soil in sun or partial shade? (which are not weeds.)

thanks

landscapeliving answers:

You could try Hostas. Also try adding some compost when preparing the soil to plant in. When you plant the plants you are going to try then plant your plant and then smooth some more compost over the soil.

Compost will not only give the soil back some of the nutrients but, also will also help to hold in moisture. I add compost to my soil almost every year.

You could also try DayLillies (they tend to be drought tolerant) Impatiens likes shade as does hostas.

Mary asks…

What is a good Focal point, scented, pretty, shade shrub/ tree for garden in southeastern washington?

I live in Southeastern washington which is dry and warm. I have a garden near the house that is near the front door. It is about 10 X10 foot and gets mostly shade. I would like to plant a smallish (5-6ft tall) shrub or tree that blooms and is colorful from spring to fall. Scented would also be nice. Maybe attract birds? I dont mind pruning/trimming and it will get plenty of water. Any ideas?

landscapeliving answers:

Mostly shaded area will not give you the flowering plants you desire. If however there is at least 6 hours of sun in the area you describe then shrub roses, would be a great addition.Of course there's nothing better that azalea's and rhododendrons. Small understory trees like dogwoods and viburnums would be good for mostly shaded area with some sun not scorching sun. Also low growing hostas have a variety of leaf color and texture and blooms in July, they love filtered shade. Small Maple tree the mini's would work well in the space you described as well. Ajuga is great ground cover also spring bulbs scatted about would be a nice touch to fill out the space. Then if your really serious about a focal point put in a small pond or small water feature. Garden centers have an amazing variety to choose from. The water will attract birds, butterflies, and the sound of.water trickling down a spout is so relaxing. Good Luck.

John asks…

I need help picking out plants.?

I am planting a garden in a hot dry area in central florida. I would perfer that the plants be flowering and if at all possible attract butterflys (though not a requiremnt). I also need vines to grow up a chain link fence (if the plant floweres awsome if not its ok) and a shade type tree that wont get to big. These plants need to be as strong and resistant to drought and heat as possible thank you for Links!!!

landscapeliving answers:

I live in central Fl, too, so here's what I would plant if your garden will be in the sun.........vincas, pentas, cosmos,(which can be grown from seed and reseed every spring) or bush daisies, and all are drought resistant. The pentas attract butterflies. If your garden is going to be shady, go for impatience. As for a vine on your chain link fence, I would plant confederate jasmine, which prefers sun or shade and will cover your fence in no time and is loaded with sweet smelling white flowers. There are so many choices for a shade tree, but most of them grow pretty big and some loose their leaves in the winter so I would suggest going to a nursery and asking them for their suggestions. They can also give you suggestions on what kind of flowering plants to plant in your sunny or shady garden better than the home do it yourself stores, like Lowes and Home Depot. They have native plants and other plants that the other stores don't have. Hope this helps you.

Robert asks…

Very sad coz all my plants died ,please help me.?

I went to for a vacation for a month and my plants died with the hot wheather in LA. My begonias are dead and dry, my calla lillies are green but no flowers.

All the roses plants are dry like hay. What can I do now.Iam very sad the way my garden looks right now. I had put a lot of efforts into it.

Does this mean that the bulbs are dead ?.will they grow next season?.

Please tell me some plants which flower in shade but are hardy enough to withstand LA's wheather

landscapeliving answers:

Kepp watering them and have hope.

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