Question
I am very "wet behind the ears" when it comes to gardening. I have had virtually no experience with gardening and now I live in zone 6 (long island, NY) in a home with quite a large front yard (full sun). I have been overwhelmed by weeds (frankly i think they're weeds). Not sure what to put down to rid myself of them. I had planted grape hyacinth bulbs last year in one area. Now they are ALL OVER, a little here a little there, but all over even in the grassy area. I am afraid to palnt any perennials in fear they will grown out of control and require lots of time which I dont have. I would like to add some color, (something bold) but again I am afraid to try anything without some guidance
I would like to plant now May for some show in summer if possible.
Thanks

Answer
Gaye,
Actually Grape Hyacinths are very low maintenance and what has happened is burrowing animal like squirrels or voles/moles have gotten the bulbs and did not care for the taste of them and spit them out therefore causing them to come up here and there. That is why I plant lots of them. All spring blooming bulbs are easy to grow and low maintenance.You can plant them in the Fall. I will give you some sources for low maintenance bulbs and perennials that are great for first timers. Just go to the websites and get tips and prices and plants that grow well in your area with very little care.


Here are some great sources to look at on the web:White Flower Farm,Musser Forests,Wayside Gardens, Shady Oaks Nursery,Walters Perennials(or Gardens),Jackson & Perkins,Khelm's Song Sparrow Perennial Farm,Van Bourgondien Bulbs,Van Dyck's Bulbs,Brent & Becky's Bulbs,Plants by Mail,Gardener's Supply Co.,Bluestone Perennials,Sheperds Seeds,Applewood seed Co.,Ball Seed Co.,Genesis Seeds,Ltd.(www.genesisseeds.com),Kieft Seed Co. USA(www.kieftseeds.com),Mountain Valley Seed,Inc.(www.mvseeds.com)

All these companies offer free catalogs too and a lot of specials if you order online. It is easier to find these if you go to www.google.com and type in the name of the company.Good luck and hope you fun with your gardening!