Plant suggestion for planters on each side of the garage door.
sommar
2 years ago
I purchased two planters for each side of the garage door and would love plant suggestions. The planters are 2' wide, 10" deep and 20" tall. I'm unsure about the amount of sunshine but probably about 5 hours. We are in zone 5b and will bring the planters into an unheated space over the winter.
The picture shows only one of the planters as the other one was on backorder.
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sommar
2 years agoRelated Discussions
Need planting suggestions for long side yard (pics included)
Comments (12)Do you have a lot of bunnies and deer in your area? You may not see any in your own yard because of the lack of foliage, but if you've got a deer population, you're going to have some trouble. We've got TONS of deer where I am, and they will eat anything we put in the front yard (they can't get into the backyard!) But, if deer are not a problem, I suggest Hostas. These are perennials, they're pretty hardy and roughly maintenance-free. We've got a bunch around the yard and we planted them there at least 10 years ago, and probably have not done much since planting them other than feeding once in a while. The rain provides enough water. However, when we tried putting them in the front yard, the deer munched happily on them. Same with the lilies, even though I was pretty sure deer did not like lilies (or maybe the bunnies ate the lilies?). Black eyed susans are self-seeding, and quite strong too. If you want a few smaller flowers for cutting, snapdragons are very attractive and provide a nice burst of color, and depending on your zone, since they are self seeding, they may come back in higher numbers the next year, and so on. Iris is a very nice choice too, as it is a fairly sturdy plant and does not require too much maintenance. I suggest finding some bearded iris rhizomes online right around now, because they are late summer/fall planted. There are a number of very attractive "rebloomers" that will bloom in the spring and again in the summer, which is always nice. Deer won't eat them, and they're nice. However i'm not 100% positive 6hrs is enough sunlight for an iris, but it might be. (iris experts, chime in!) You might want to consider some kind of wild flower seed. check online (i always buy my seeds and bulbs from americanmeadows.com and they do have a section, IIRC, for what seed mixtures are best for each area of the US) as these can provide a colorful splash to your garden bed. If you're looking for spring time color, invest in some daffodils. These are totally maintenance free, other than planting the bulbs. They take care of themselves, you don't have to dig up the bulbs, and they will multiply over the years. Any spot is okay for them, though they do prefer a little bit of shade, and so your 6 hrs of light is perfect for them. If you're looking for some border annuals, petunias are a nice choice, as are portulaca. Portulaca is much easier to take care of though--you really don't have to do anything other than plant them. With petunias you have to make sure they don't get too much water--and if you get a lot of rain, they're going to rot and get moldy. (though this is the same with most plants, i suppose)...See MoreNeed Suggestions--Re-working Planter Bed
Comments (2)Thanks buyorsell888, I was beginning to think everyone had abandoned their computers for the garden :o)! Interesting you mention Heathers, I think that's what I started with 40 years ago! It is one of the things I am considering. I've heard the term "Heath" but I have to say I'm not really familiar with them. I'll check them out. I have a large backyard and the front is fairly large, too. Lots of trees and many evergreens. Any suggestions for a dwarf? I considered planting a regular evergreen conifer and keeping it pruned, but I like a more natural look. If you notice in the photo, across the sidewalk I have a Hemlock that is about 30 ft high! started it from a 1' tree we picked up in the Nation Forest while out Christmas Tree cutting many years ago. We keep the side on the sidewalk sheared up about 7-8 ft and it's like a hedge. Thanks again for the input, hope more jump in with suggestions. Off to check out Heaths! Linda...See MoreSteel Garage Door Suggestions???
Comments (3)I would use what ever door product is strong in your area. If you use Wayne dalton, STAY AWAY FROM THE TORKMASTER SYSTEM. It is a spring inside of a pipe. I have never seen one that works well, and no one,(even Wayne dalton)seems to want to service them. Their doors without this system are very good,if medium to top quality. Amarr is very good, Clopay Sold by Home Depot is also good. Don't just buy PRICE. Try to buy a steel door with a "steel backing". Most of the doors that are priced right are "hollow" in the back and very "tinny". Clopay model 4050 or the Amarr Weatherguard are two that I like myself, (I sell and install garage doors). They have steel backcovers, and are quite solid. There are many others just as good, but just try to stay with a steel door with a steel backcover. Dan...See MorePlants for outdoor contemporary planter at front door
Comments (42)Some plants that will work best are Salvia greggii (3x3 with various flower colors), Heuchera (2x2 with white, pink and fuchsia blooms), Monardella villosa (2x2 wth purple blooms and a minty scent), Juncus Patens (3x3 ornamental grass), Arctostaphylos 'Howard McMinn', (6x6 with pink flowers) Salvia spathacea (2x2 with fuchsia flowers), Satureja douglassii (1x1 with tiny white flowers and is edible. Tastes like spearmint)....See Moresommar
2 years agoThank you for the info regarding how the zones are figured and about the recovery period. We are in Cape Elizabeth, Maine and the closest bigger city is Portland. I have never noticed the blacktop being very hot but I'm prepared to water frequently. There is shade from the house and the garage later in the day. I had planned to fill the bottom of the planters with pieces of foam to save on the soil and keep the planters lighter and found this article suggesting to plant in plastic pots. However, it might be difficult to find the perfect size pot/s. The depth is barely 8" and the width barely "21. https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=16744
sommar
2 years agosommar
2 years agoHi all! Finally got around to taking a couple of pictures. I am really happy about how the planters turned out! I put some pieces of styrofoam in the bottom of the planters and filled with compost from the local farm and regular potting soil around the plants.
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