Pls Help an Extreme Newby Out...

figgs0831

So? I am very new to gardening and have no idea where to begin.  What can I plant to give me curb appeal?  I?m looking for a whimsical, cottage type look that will give me color from spring to fall.  Maybe a shrub or two so it?s not bare during the winter.  I have almost zero imagination when it comes to this because I never had a yard to play in (I?m an apartment girl).  Also, aside from the basics, I have no knowledge of types of flowers and such. It?s a bit overwhelming.  I?ve ripped everything out and put a good coat of soil down, now I just need help on what to put there.  I live in Long Island, so everything would have to be able to tolerate dry weather and a cold winter.   Here is front of the house.  I need something to go around our light post and the front walkway (there is currently lavender bushes there, but they are being pulled out this weekend).  The former owner, had neglected the front of the house, so they look terrible!  Perennials would be preferred, but annuals are definitely doable.   Here is the side of the house.  The picture is from the summer and it is covered with hostas!  I have ripped everything because they were everywhere.  What can I do here?  It?s a long ?L? shape area.  The corner spot where the bird feeder is a huge area (approx. 10? x 6?) and ideally, this spot will also serve as a memorial garden for my little angels.   Thank you all in advance for your help.  This will be the first time I have ever done something like this and I?m so nervous.

WendyGR

The best thing to do would be to visit your local nursery and take note of what plants catch your eye. Also, the workers should be able to give advice as to what will work in your yard (they will probably ask if it's sunny or shady). If you're looking for inspiration, I like the Better Homes & Gardens website http://www.bhg.com/gardening/

glitterfart

The gardens from Long Island that have been featured in Country Living and Martha Stewart Living have all had lots of hydrangeas and hostas. I personally love the combo of the two, but if you?ve ripped your hostas out, I guess taht wouldn?t work for you. Look at back issues of Country LIving and Martha Stewart at your local library and you can probably get some ideas for what might work, and what you might like. And as pp said, browse your local nursery and see which plants you like and talk to the sales people about what might work in your yard. If you go to a small nursery instead of a large garden center, you might even be able to get someone to come out to your house and look at your yard for a small fee to give you some ideas.

TarHeels&Rebels

It sounds like your best bet will be to hire a landscape designer.  You can have things done this season, instead of a couple years from now when you learn everything you need to learn

We've worked with designers for 2 houses.  Once for $75 (owner of a small nursery with no formal training, just a love for plants) and once for $150 (owner of a landscaping company with a Bachelor's in landscape design).  They provide the plan of what goes where, accounting for soil and light and all that, and we provide the plants and labor.  To find designers, I looked up "landscape" in the phone book, then visited each company's website to decide.

GL!

dirtyred

Personally, if I were you, I'd hire a landscape architect/designer to help me get the look I want.  I think that as a newbie, trying to create a cottage look with continuous color is just too much.

The professional will know what plants will work best in your climate, soil, sun, and what can achieve the look you want.  It will be the best money you'll ever spend gardening.

Mashara

Sorry, I don't have any specific plant ideas right now but wanted to share my thoughts. Two things popped into my head when reading your post:

1) Whimsical - The perfect descriptor for a house a few blocks from me. The owners designed a simple contrasting color plan of red and green that looks great ALL year long. The house is a light green, most of the plants are green, and I think they have some green decorative touches. The perennials all have red blooms, I think they use a few red annuals, and they added red decorative touches to the house. For extra whimsy, they have a couple pieces of small yard art in the flower beds. It's adorable and looks easy to maintain.

2) Cottage garden - There's one of these a couple miles further. The yard is overflowing with plants and shrubbery. Different things bloom throughout the whole season. It's beautiful but I know from my own garden that it must take a lot of work.

I suggest maybe taking a walk around your neighborhood and see what you really like. It looks as if you have lots of sun, but take note how many hours each area gets.Then go to a decent local nursery (one with a display garden would be nice) and ask about what might work in your yard.

lisamort

I like the idea of going to a local nursery to get ides, definitely a good idea.  On the other hand I like to do things myself if I can without hiring anyone.  I love to garden and it is fun to see things grow you have planted etc.  I would suggest doing your garden in layers, taller things in the back and shorter in the front.  Perennials are nice because then you don't have to buy too many new plants each year and they continue to expand and grow year after year.  One of favorite perennials are phlox, which are low to the ground, very bright, and every year they spread out into a larger bunch.  If it gets too big you can always move some of it.  You will want to be sure things are spaced out enough too because they will continue to grow, but asking your local nursery person will help you with that.  Each season I like to add a pop of color with annual flowers around my perennials.  The first thing of the season that you can plant are pansies because they don't mind the cooler nights, that might look nice around your light post.  Also, think about adding some herbs or vegetables, they can have a fun shape and also add some depth.  Hope this helps a little, good luck!