Question
I am not sure what catergory to ask this question under so I am just trying the one that looks the best. I am renting an older home (1950's?) in Wichita KS, the flower beds need weeding, the lawn needs some "real" grass... I am just wondering what would be the best (on a budget) way to perk up the looks of this yard. Maybie add some new grass? What kind of flowers do I plant?? I have no real experience with yards, (this is my familys first house) or what kinds of flowers work well in the changing Kansas climate ( we also just moved from the west coast).

Answer
Leah:

In Kansas, I would be concerned about drought effect on lawn and flowers.  Weather may be fine there year around, but check rain records.  It will effect your choice of turf and flowers.

Inexpensive way to have a nice lawn is to seed at proper time and fertilize, lightly if cost is a factor.  Bermuda is a summer grass which will spread easily and dominate most other grasses.  Sew in April/May and fertilize then and in July lightly.  In winter, however, it will show weeds after turning brown in dormancy.  Fescue is probably a standard winter grass in Kansas.  Again, seed in fall (now) and fertilize now and in spring.

Seed is not expensive for the coverage and fertlizer may be applied lightly to save.  If that is a factor, consider 1 pound of nitrogen per thousand square feet of lawn (calculate or ask garden center to calculate lbs of nitrogen in a bag for you.)

Flowers have same consideration.  Usually easy to grow ones like marigolds, petunias, salvia make a good show in single color beds.  But I am not the flower expert here.   I would ask your local ag agent to provide a list for you to take shopping next spring.  Look at neighbor's yards next spring/summer and see what they plant.  That is the best way to choose.

Kansas soil is good, generally.  You should have good luck with lawn and plants.  If you can swing it, use some compost on everything.  It will reward you with results for years.

Best wishes.