Question
I have a raised area at the bottom of my garden with shallow very clay / stony soil.  It is shaded for most of the day by large trees that seem to take all the water and goodness.  I've planted some petunias, begonias and lebelia and while they have just about survived the have hardly grown with just a few flowers.

I will try and improve the soil by adding compost but what plants will suit this arid area.  I would like some flowers to brighten this rather dingy part of the garden.

Answer
Hi Tony, do what can to loosen and improve your soil.  Mix in an inch or so of organic matter into the top 3-4" of soil.  For annual color try impatiens, green leaf begonias (not red leaf), torenia, browallia, coleus and caladiums.  These will perform better in the shade. Spray feed them every 2-3 weeks and plant them with about 1/2 teaspoon of Osmocote per plant mixed well with your soil.  Check your pH, it needs to be near 6.5.  Water thoroughly, but infrequently once established to encourage deep root growth.  You should have excellent flowers if you follow this plan.  Jim