We have bought a home with large black walnut tree in front yard and an area under it that I want to plant flowers in. I understand the soil is not good for a flower garden. If I put in raised beds and fresh soil, will I have success? Black-eyed Susan and English ivy are thriving there now.
Yes, a raised bed can help you garden under a black walnut. Make sure to line the bottom of the bed with wood or landscape fabric to prevent the tree's roots from entering the bed. Also clean up any black walnut leaves or fruits that fall into the bed. This is because the roots, leaves and fruits produce substances that inhibit the growth of other plants.
These articles will help you plan your garden bed:
https://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/fact-sheets/trees-shrubs/landscaping-and-gardening-around-walnuts-and-other-juglone-producing-plants
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/nut-trees/black-walnut/black-walnut-compatible-plants.htm
Looking to plant a flowering type vine on a trellis. The problem is, it is mostly shaded area. Have Bougainvillea there now but never got the colored flowering leaves, only green leaves, but grows great. Always needs pruning. Landscaper suggested Jasmine, but when I looked it up, it says needs sun. The spot it would be planted is under a three trunk Foxtail Palm Tree, and at front of house that only gets morning sun. Do you have any suggestions?
Trumpet vine is one option:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/trumpet-vine/growing-trumpet-vines.htm
Star jasmine might be better for shade than regular jasmine:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/jasmine/star-jasmine-as-ground-cover.htm
Aristolochia californica might flower if it gets at least some sun on the top of the plants.
Will the Nigra evergreen grow in Dallas, TX?
Dallas is considered to be in gardening zone 8a, while the "Nigra" Arborvitae prefers gardening zones 3-7, but can sometimes grow in zone 8. This means Dallas is a bit warmer than the variety prefers, but it may still be able to grow, especially if it is in a partially shaded location.
Any suggested plants? Although I live in San Diego, with optimum growing weather, my patio faces north and only gets a few hours of direct sunlight about 5 months a year. Also, because of the drought, interested in varieties that don't require frequent watering. Thanks for any suggestions!
I would suggest contacting your County Extension Office for a list of plants for your growing zone.
These articles have more information and I have have listed a link to help you locate the nearest Extension Office.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/xeriscape-shade-plants-plants-for-dry-shade.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/partial-shade.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
Can you recommend a houseplant for my desk that is in a room with no windows? Thanks!
These articles will give you some ideas:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/indoor-plants-for-shade.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/good-indoor-plants-with-flowers-for-low-light.htm
I live in USDA Zone 7, Long Island, NY. I just found some great Calibrachoas, but was very disappointed to see they are best suited for Zone 9-11. What alternative to Calibrachoa, except Petunia, can I plant in my zone? Thank you for any suggestions you might have. Happy Holidays, Brian A. Carey, Massapequa, NY
Calibrachoas can still be grown outdoors during the summer in zone 7, but they will not survive the winter. As for alternatives, both Calibrachoa and Petunia are in the Solanaceae or tomato family, so you could look for other ornamental plants in that family. Morning glories, primroses, and evening primroses include some varieties that look similar to Calibrachoa and that can grow in zone 7, although ost mornng glories are annuals.
I have 9,000 ppm water well with hot 40 C and sunshine 8+. What plants can I grow?
If I understand correctly, your water has 9000 ppm concentration of salt. Growing a garden with saline water can be challenging, but some plants can do well, especially beets, cotton, some grains, and some ornamentals. These articles will give you some advice:
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/topic_soil_salinity
http://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/pinellasco/2014/03/28/salt-tolerant-vegetable-gardening/
https://extension.psu.edu/plants/vegetable-fruit/fact-sheets/salts-in-high-tunnels/saline-soils-and-plant-growth
This article assumes that you have non-saline water, but it includes links to lists of salt-tolerant plants:
http://articles.extension.org/pages/63502/solutions-to-soil-problems:-high-salinity