Question
Hi, I'm Valerie. I've always been interested in gardening but I haven't had too many chances to try it. The few times that I have, I was never successful. It gave me the feeling that I have a "black thumb". People tell me there's no such thing. The more sensible part of me agrees. I mean I'm hoping that gaining a little more knowledge can help me. I really don't know the first thing about gardening. Now, I recently got married and my husband and I have moved into a new house which has a little space that would be perfect for a small garden. The problem is, it's cemented and it's only about a foot deep. What kind of plants can I plant in shallow soil? What kind of problems might I encounter? Like what if the roots go deep? Will the plants die because they can't penetrate the cement? Anyway, I want bougainvilleas and birds of paradise (I live in a tropical country by the way). Would that be possible? If you could please give me some advice or maybe refer me to a website where I can find information? Or maybe suggest a good book? Thanks. I'd really appreciate it.

Answer
Okay, Valerie, I think you have come to a good place to start your garden. I will try to give the best advice I can. I will begin by suggesting that you don't start your gardening experience with the two plants you mentioned. These are rather advanced gardening knowledge plants, and you will not gain any confidence by not being able to make them thrive. So I think the best place to start, is read all of the information you can get your hands on. Books, magazines, TV gardening shows, gardening lectures and neighbors who have beautiful yards. I mention neighbors, because they are often have good information on plants that do well in your area. But one of the best places is you local nursery. If you can find a knowledgeble nursery person who can answer questions for you. Websites are also good, and there are many. Type in the subject, whether it be soil, or a name of a plant you like, into the search engine and you will probably find more than you need to know.
There are plants that you can grow in soil that you have. but they will be low growing, shallow rooted plants. I suggest that you either build the soil up higher, by adding more top soil, or a raised bed, or containers full of plants. You will still need to grow smaller plants then the bougainvilleas or bird of paradice. These are very large plants and will need a large space and deep soil.
As for names of good books, there are many. A favorite that I use is Sunsets Western Garden book for information about plants. For information about general gardening a favorite is Brooklyn Botanic Gardens America's Garden Book.
Most of all I suggest you have fun with it. Don't be afraid to experiment. Start with a few inexpensive annuals in a pot. As you get more of a knowledge of water, and soil, and light requirments, then you can advance to more expensive plants.
bakerplanter