QuestionHi there, thanks for looking at my questions.
I have an area that I need to landscape a little bit.
It is mostly under a large tree. I have cut some brances away to allow some sun in, but for the most part it is a 50/50 sun/shade area.
I also have a bed under pine trees, which probably gets a little less sun.
So, here we go! >>> Considering I am in the Washington DC area, and it's the beginning of April:
* Under large tree: I would like some color all around the tree stump & create a bed with soil and topsoil. I'd like some nursery plants that last more than just one bloom. And that I can plant now or soon, and that do not need FULL sun all the time. Could you suggest a variety?
* For area under pines: I hear that pine juice kills off grass and the like? Maybe ground-cover? Also, it is a good area for a container garden. Can you suggest good plants (same desire as above)
I could use in large containers?
THANKS!
AnswerGary,
The big problem I've noticed with planting around trees of any kind is the competition. Trees, being big and established and all, are all set up to take as much of the water and nutrients as they can. Whatever you put in is going to need help with water and fertilizer.
One way around this, as you suggested is using containers. Another way is to create a raised bed of some sort around the base of the tree. You could use rocks, landscape blocks, timbers, or anything else that might allow you to provide an extra 1to1.5 feet of soil for the plants you want to add. Don't go deeper (higher) than that or you can start to create problems with the tree roots.
I'm not a big fan of planting annuals, since I have to plant them and take them out every year. So in places like you're describing, I've used shrub roses. There are some remarkable, ever-bearing varieties out now, that don't require the fussy pruning and fungicides that more common hybrid roses need. You still have time to get them in, and here in Oregon, I get them blooming May through Oct.
Hope this helps.
Mark in Portland
