What can I plant to give me good ground cover in a shady environment that has clay soil?
These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/ground-covers-for-shade.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/xeriscape-landscape-design-ideas-for-clay-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/compost-for-organic-gardens.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm
I have a tiled patio (1st floor open balcony), which faces north with some late afternoon west sun exposure, in San Diego less than 1/4 mile from the ocean. I want to use plants in containers to create privacy from the sidewalk. The area of privacy is 12 feet long on the patio that is 7 1/2 feet wide to the patio door. There is a 32 inch high pony wall with a small ledge and railing above the wall. I would like the plants to be 5 or 6 feet high, measured from the tile floor. Right now I have 5 terra cotta pots with plants that aren't thriving (sorry can't remember their names at the moment). Please help with suggestions for plant names that grow wide to create a shield of privacy but don't take much water and need minimal care.
For year-round use, I suggest evergreens. Junipers are really tough and come in various heights and thrive in containers. You could also opt for hardy bamboo by planting it in a long, narrow planter box. Place this along the side of your balcony or patio where you’d like more privacy. Ornamental millet, which has attractive dark purple foliage, grows about 5 feet tall and produces bushy growth, perfect for privacy. Alternatively, you could try hanging a bunch of pots at different heights and planting them with a variety of bushy and trailing plants.
Here is an article that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/creative-screening-with-plants-good-borders-make-good-neighbors.htm
Please, could you advise me on what trees would be better for making my garden private from my next door neighbour?
These articles should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/plant-a-privacy-screen-plants-that-grow-fast-for-privacy.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/trees-that-please-the-landscape.htm
I have a low area in my front yard that's at the corner of my driveway and sidewalk. I wish to plant shrubs in this area; however, the area collects water when it rains. What shrub choice is best for an area like this?
There is a shrub that is called a Japanese willow. It likes wet areas and would work well there.
Which of the vines that you list for covering a chain link fence are the most deer resistant?
I would recommend trumpet vines. They are very hardy and even if the deer nibble on them (because no plant is truly deer resistant), they will handle it fine.
Well now that is a pickle isn't it. I'm not sure if any vines would be deer resistant but you could try planting things around your vines that deer don't like which is anything from the onion family. Ornamental onions (Alums), garlic, chives, Some of the ornamental onions are very pretty and grown up to 3 feet tall and taller. Hopefully someone who is more of an expert on the vines posts an answer for you.
I am looking for a shrub that will provide a privacy boarder. The problem is the area I want to put it in has a canopy made by Maple trees and a couple of pine trees that cause partial to dappled shade. Do you have any recommendations? Would Holly Bushes work?
Here is an article or two that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/plant-a-privacy-screen-plants-that-grow-fast-for-privacy.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/shgen/shade-loving-shrubs.htm
I am getting married next summer and would like to give a plant/flower in a pot to my guests, as well as use it for the table decorations. Any suggestions on what plants are easy to grow, no color preference right now. If I need time to grow plants, they would have to be grown inside the house. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
These articles should help with suggestions: : https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/good-indoor-plants-with-flowers-for-low-light.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/indoor-plants-that-need-high-light.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/spaces/plants-for-garden-rooms-patios.htm