we have an area that is in full shade, holds water, and we would like something with "color". (blooms maybe; leaves have color, etc) it would need to be a plant that stays fairly low, no more than 12" high or so, and can handle low maintenance. would prefer something that comes back each year w/o having to be replanted.
There are lots of plants that will give you color and beauty in shady spots. This article
should help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/shade-tolerant-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/fogen/plants-with-red-foliage.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/foliage/fogen/plant-leaves-that-stand-out.htm
I'd like to replace my current shrubs and hostas with something more colorful but I live on a lagoon in NJ so I am not sure what will be good with the sandy ground and will survive winter months.
This article should be helpful:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/seaside/best-seaside-plants.htm
I live in Henderson County, NC, zone 7a at 2000 feet in altitude. I am looking for a ground cover that can accept foot traffic, maybe like a clover or peanut grass, or you may have a better alternative. Additionally, I have a partially shaded hill that could take taller cover without foot traffic. Any suggestions will be appreciated. Thank you.
Creeping Thyme or Sweet Woodruff may be good choices. Here is an article that may help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/shade/ground-covers-for-shade.htm
Problem is my location is an elevated right on the coast of Northern Ireland and is very windswept and cold... suggestions very welcome
Your climate appears to resemble our zone 7 or 8, here in the US. This opens up to quite a few possibilities!
Here are some articles that will help you:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/seaside/gardening-salt-water-soil.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-7/zone-7-bushes.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/griselinia/growing-griselinia-shrubs.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/seaside/best-seaside-plants.htm
Ferns types, palms type’ Trees, boginvillia, other PLANTS
There are plenty of plants to choose from, here! These articles will help:
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/indoor-plants-for-shade.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/category/houseplants
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/basic-care-of-houseplants.htm
We are moving to Tryon North Carolina and need to know about gardening and landscaping for red clay soil
Let's start with your winter hardiness zone which is 7b. Typically, soils in the area are acidic although I am a big fan of getting soil tested when starting in a new garden. North Carolina extension service. has extensive information on growing in the different areas of NC and they do inexpensive soil tests. Here are some links that I hope you find valuable.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/how-to-improve-clay-soil.htm
https://gardening.ces.ncsu.edu. Use the search box to find soil testing and clay soil information.
I would like to plant something fragrant and beautiful, but easy to maintain.
You have a very large selection to work with, here! You can choose from Dahlias, to Marigolds, to Daisies, and many things in between.
Here are some articles to offer some suggestions: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/pansy/pansy-flowering-season.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/vines/clematis/summer-blooming-clematis.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/flowers/verbena/growing-verbena-plants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-6/zone-6-flowers.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/gardening-by-zone/zone-6/plants-for-zone-6.htm