Dear Green Thumbs,

[SVTF]

Help a wannabe Green thumb out?

I have little to no experience on planting things that go together or look good together.

So when we moved into the house 2 years ago there was a tree in the box along with some tulips and some straggly old type of plants.

All you can see from this picture is the tree that was in there closest to the house:Not even sure what kind of tree it was, just know it always smelt like cat piss, we were told that is what that tree does???

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/FireTent/HousePreMove4.jpg

So over the winter the tree all but up rooted itself, high winds, snow made the tree lay back against the house - perfect reason to tear it out and start fresh, but wait I am not sure what to do.

So the box is Just under 8 feet by 5.5 feet:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v604/FireTent/DSCF4100.jpg


Help me plant this box.

I do want to put back some sort of tree/bush back in the box + things that will just grow every year (perennials ?) - low maintenance stuff. But it also has to look good.

The box has access to sun almost the entire day. Starts to the side/back of the house 4:45 - 5:30.

I know it might be too late to start with the perennials but what if any can I do this year and what do I need to do to get ready for next year.

Wannabe Green Thump,

Wayne

[SVTF]

Non of you green thumbs have any advice to give me?

Tell what and when to plant.

[Irish]

Any ideas as to what you and your wife like? It looks like a nice place for a small decorative tree. You don't want anything that's going to get too big due to the proximity of the house. Maybe something like a Japanese maple, or a weeping Japanese maple:

http://neilshorticulture.com/db5/00478/neilshorticulture.com/_uimages/acerdisectumatro-april.jpg

http://images.lowes.com/general/o/ornamental_japanesemaple.jpg

Check around a few local nurseries, there are tons of different varieties. Make sure you check the tag or ask the supplier how big it gets - it may look small now but in five years you don't want to rip it out all over again. You could plant that in the middle, and then maybe some small ground evergreen shrubs around the perimeter:

http://www.fowlersnursery.com/_ccLib/image/plants/DETA-502.jpg

http://horizonlandscaping.com/galleries/plants/juniper_blue_star2_sm.jpg

If you want to stay away from evergreens, hostas are really hardy, easy and come back every year. Virtually maintenance free.

[T]

The tree probably smelled like cat piss, because that planter box looks like a big ass litter box.

Not sure what you are looking for as far as what to plant. It looks like they had planted an arbor vitae type evergreen.

I would suggesting something that wouldn't have too invasive of a root system and possibly mess up your foundation. I doubt that would happen, but I'd prefer to err on the side of caution with that.

I really think your biggest obstacle is going to be your climate. As mentioned before, I'd hit up a local nursery and check out what types of shrubs and plants they have on hand and speak to a professional who could give you a better idea what compliments each other. Also don't be afraid to a) make that box bigger, b) replace that red bark mulch, c) fill it in with concrete and create a new location for your gas grill.

drive around the neighborhood. find something you/the wife both like and try and replicate.

T

[Crawland]

We had one of those cat piss bushes at our old house. I can't figure out why anyone would ever plant one of those. They're not even that good looking.

Back on topic, I suck at this too so I have no valuable input. Sorry:rolleyes:

[MsprinM]

What zone are you in? This will dictate the types of plants you can use.

[SVTF]

What zone are you in? This will dictate the types of plants you can use.


Zone?

[Doctor_XXX]

Planting zones (I THINK) are a US-specific thing. Although, you COULD just apply the temperature limits to your location, and act/buy accordingly. See sample here: LINKY (http://www.usna.usda.gov/Hardzone/hrdzon3.html)

My **GUESS** is that you are in "Zone 5", plus or minus a zone.

[Wedge Rock]

http://www.marijuanaseedbanks.com/images/marijuana_leaf_pics/images/marijuana_plant.jpg

[SVTF]

^^ What kind of bush/tree is that?

[Irish]

^^ What kind of bush/tree is that?

lol, take a look at the shape of the leaves...

[Wedge Rock]

Something called "Mary Jane"...

[SVTF]

lol, take a look at the shape of the leaves...

Something called "Mary Jane"...

Did not notice the leaves before .. Now I see it.

[vtpoker]

I'd have to do some research on your climate for trees, but a dwarf pine of some sort might work. If you just want to do quick evergreen coverage with perennial flowers I would try maybe a creeping flox which will overtake the entire bed, but will allow for other flowers to grow in between them.

Shrub lilacs can be nice, they top out around 4 feet and smell awesome when they bloom.

If you are looking for cheap flower coverage, Columbines are a great plant with plenty of color variety, hardy, and cheap, plus they reseed like made.

I will shoot my sister an email, she's a landscape architect and could rattle off a number of suggestions for you.

[SVTF]

I will shoot my sister an email, she's a landscape architect and could rattle off a number of suggestions for you.

Thanks, the plan is to start this next week ... Vacation starts in 8 hours.

[T]

we have some of that flox up front by the oak trees. Looks cool when its blooming, rest of the time, just some green ground cover. and it does spread, but not too rapidly.

T