I am getting ready to start my own little flower bed and was wondering what other flowers or plants would go well with the Scabiosa?
Scabiosa plants like minimal watering, full sun, and rich, well-draining soil, so it's important to pick companion plants that have the same requirements.
Here's an article about plants that enjoy full sun:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/full-sun-plants.htm
Scabiosas are also popular as cutting flowers. Plant them with other cutting flowers to have ready-made arrangements:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/fgen/plants-for-a-cut-flower-garden.htm
I have an area of lawn that is hot and dry in summer but cold and damp in winter when the shade from my house prevents direct sunlight from shining on it. What grass type would be best for such a spot?
Lawns typically go dormant in winter, so the winter conditions aren't as important as the summer conditions. See this article for help with choosing a grass for this type of situation:
http://www.sites.ext.vt.edu/newsletter-archive/cses/2008-03/WhatGrass.html
I currently have a small Sergeant Crab tree in a front garden bed which grew ok but because of the moisture in the soil, needed to be moved. The rounded raised bed is at the Southwest front corner of the house in a raised bed that allows height but only about 10 feet of total width before hitting the house/roof. The bed is topsoil but has a tendency to stay wet/damp due to the clay at the base. What kind of tree do you recommend as a replacement? Dogwoods, Redbuds and Serviceberrys were recommended bit the last we are not real fans of. How about a Cinderella crabapple, or Lavender Twist Weeping Redbud or a Dappled Willow that is topgrafted on standard?
I would encourage you to contact your local County Extension Office for recommendations for your specific growing area.
Here is a link to locate your closest office.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/extension-search/
Here are some articles that will help you with a planting selection.
http://msue.anr.msu.edu/topic/home_gardening/trees_shrubs
https://extension.psu.edu/plants/gardening/fact-sheets/trees-shrubs/trees-shrubs-and-groundcovers-tolerant-of-wet-sites
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/yard-drainage-problems.htm
I'm on a second floor balcony, 20 feet x 10, sun from approx. 9am - noon or 1 pm. Afternoon heat can get brutal here. What would be the best plants to grow and what type of containers should I use? I had very little success last summer. Thank you, Teri hayden
As long as you stick to plants that can take the heat, you should be okay. This article has a nice variety of recommendations for plants that can take heat and drought. Pay special attention to the container section: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/xeriscape/drought-tolerant-perennials.htm
As far as container selection goes, stay away from dark colors. You'd be amazed how much those things can heat up in the sun. Clay and terra cotta containers dry out quickly, too. Plastic and stone are good choices. Opt for bigger containers - they dry out less quickly. And consider using water retention crystals to keep things moist: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/water-crystals-in-potting-soil.htm
Hello. We live close to White Rock, BC where it is rather dry and sunny in the summer. We are looking for a small to mid sized tree for a small south-facing backyard. Ideally a tree that can withstand some dry summers once it has taken roots, and one that provides some shade. The Persian Silk Tree has been suggested to us, but I've read that it can be quite invasive. Is that true? Is this a good choice? What other options do I have?? Also, clover grass has been suggested. Is that good? What kind of grass would you recommend? Hope to hear from you soon as we are hoping to plant within the next few weeks. Thank you.
I would suggest visiting local garden centers to see trees that are available in your area.
Eastern Redbud and Goldenrain Tree may also be choices for your garden.
http://www.extension.umn.edu/garden/yard-garden/landscaping/best-plants-for-tough-sites/docs/08464-complete.pdf
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lawn-substitutes/white-clover/grow-a-white-clover-lawn.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/mimosa/growing-silk-trees.htm
I have a large front porch with very tall ceilings and very tall doors. I have pots flanking the front door. My question is what to plant in the pots. One pot gets full morning sun while the other is fully shaded. I love the idea of using some sort of evergreen that looks good year round and then using seasonal fillers.
Container plants are a wonderful way to decorate a porch.
I would suggest visiting your local garden centers and see what is available in your growing zone.
Here are some links with more information.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/shade-tolerant-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/plants-for-creating-shade-containers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/thriller-filler-spiller.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/containers/container-plant-watering.htm
What plants do well in gardens with partial sun?
This article will give you some ideas:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/what-is-light-shade.htm
Please also see the articles in the Shade Gardens section of our website:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/