Question
Hi! We recently moved into a new house with a new yard. We would like to plant something in a flower bed but don't know what because part of the septic system runs under neither it along with some tree stumps. Any suggestions? Thanks!

Answer
Hi Rhiannon,
Thanx for your question.  The fact that a septic system or wood stumps are in the area of your flower bed should have little bearing on what you want to plant as long as you are planting in full sun.  What I would NOT do, is plant anything in the bed that I wanted to eat like fruits or vegetables.  There is a potential for taking up bacteria, viruses and heavy metals into the plants.  Anything else would be fine.  I would start with bulbs for spring interest such as crocus, hyacinth, daffodils, tulips, muscari and other spring bulbs.  Then some irises, achillea, shasta daisy, purple coneflower, hollyhock, hardy hibiscus, coreopsis, black-eyed Susan, artemesia, sedum, peonies, roses, oriental poppies and maybe some ornamental grasses.  You should not be restricted from any of the sun-loving plants.  Now, if this is a shady area, that's a whole other story.  I hope this helps.
Tom