Gardening suggestions required: what should I PLANT?

[Man of Harveys]

Green-fingered NSCers: the back garden at Harveys Towers is modest but there's a small patch of ground on which I'd like to grow something. It gets a decent amount of sunlight.

But, as you can tell from the moronic simplicity of this question, I have whatever the opposite of green fingers might be (brown? yellow?) - I am truly Terry F88Kwit in the garden department. Clueless beyond words.

So, great NSC public, what should I plant? Where to begin? What is most likely to survive in a small patch of earth in this locale? Herbs? Flowers? Carrots? Am I already too late for this year? Thanks.

 

[Iggle Piggle]

I got into Gardening a few years back - Never thought it would happen but it did.

It depends on what you want to do.

Something like a / Phormium could be planted, looks nice, will grow slowish to a decent size and requires next to no maintenance other than a bit of water if it is Ice cream weather. Herbs fall in the same bracket but have practical value.

Flowers need more maintenance and will generally die after a season. It's more expensive and they need a bit more care.

 

[daveinprague]

Cash crop. Marijuana

 

[TomandJerry]

Roses? Tomato plants? Chili trees?

 

[Tom Hark Preston Park]

bamboo

 

[Green Cross Code Man]

A banana pant always looks impressive. Look up Musa basjoo.

 

[glasfryn]

perennial Geraniums, cheap, come up every year, ground cover, different colours, beautiful plants you can hack down in the fall and they pop back up in the Spring

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

Hops.

Obviously.

 

[Lord Bracknell]

There's a single red tulip in my front garden that has reappeared every year since the 1970s. It is totally neglected and the patch of earth where it grows has been on the receiving end of mowers, strimmers, forks, spades and boots, without any consideration for the tulip's wellbeing.

So ... I recommend tulips. Unfortunately, this is the wrong time of year to plant bulbs. Best thing is therefore ... do NOTHING until much later in the year.

 

[Jack Straw]

Any chance of a photo or two of the site, with measurements? Can then give you some suggestions.

 

[Dick Knights Mumm]

Later in the year plant some Bulbs. One of nature's marvels and an uplifting sign that warmer weather is on it's way.

 

[KZNSeagull]

There is nothing better than a neatly trimmed bush.

So depending upon the size of the area get a few, preferably ones that will give you colour all year round. Hebe, Spiraea, Philadelphus, Lavender, Jasmine, Choisya, Buddleia, Abelia etc etc.

 

[wellquickwoody]

First important bit you have answered, plenty of sun. Does the spot get plenty of water too, and is it a windy spot?

Secondly, would YOU prefer vegetables, flowers or foliage?

 

[Man of Harveys]

Any chance of a photo or two of the site, with measurements? Can then give you some suggestions.

I'll have a go later - thanks.

And thanks everyone for some really great suggestions already. Much appreciated.

 

[FamilyGuy]

perennial Geraniums, cheap, come up every year, ground cover, different colours, beautiful plants you can hack down in the fall and they pop back up in the Spring

Yup. Native hardy perennials. Grow every year. Attract insects which attract birds.

Also plant shrubs that provide early blossom and berries. Holly, cotoneaster, snowberry (which is actually Canadian), ivy, clematis, honeysuckle, buddliea, crab apple, raspberries, elderflower, Hawthorne.

Just ask the guys at the garden centre, they'll help with the right plants for the right time of year in the right location and soil.

 

[Diablo]

Grass...easy to manage...great to sit on enjoy sunshine and your favourite beverage...

 

[GT49er]

Based on years of personal experience, I would have to recommend planting weeds. That way you'll never be disappointed (and some of them are actually quite pretty).

 

[vegster]

Pippa Middleton, if you get the chance.

 

[pishhead]

Radishes are easy. A month in the ground then you have loads of radishes for salads etc. Keep really well in the fridge.

 

[Raleigh Chopper]

Japanese Knotweed is easy to grow and will last for ages without the need for pruning.
Failing that, try Cress.