Okay, it's a little late getting things going this year (thanks to Calgary's normal late season plus 2 solid weeks of rain... now stopped for a while) and I only started really dealing with annuals today. The pickings were 'no chance' at Costco as they only had a few draggly things left, HD not much better. So I figure I'll go to the garden centre as they probably have more healthy stock than anyone this time of year.
What should I buy that can take off fast and furious to make up for lost time?
BTW I was feeling a little pissy today and decided the 3 dead bushes, 1 dead clematis, and several bulb packages that didn't come up were going back to the stores. So I yanked what I could up and grabbed the empty bulb packs and headed off. I'm so pleased. Costco didn't even blink and gave me all my money back and HD just told me to go pick out some replacements. AT HD I wasn't about to take the same kind again and all they had were the large containers which cost more but I figured I'd pay the difference and the guy just gave me a straight exchange.
So now I have faith restored that I can get the garden going without more big investment (actually 75% of what I planted last year is okay but the lack of the other things making it was making me cringe). So, what should I go buy to fill the spots?
BTW Costco had their trees marked down to $7.99 today. They were pretty little, but if they grow... good deal.
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For spreading I'd try sweet allysum.
Spreading petunias are great too. I once grew the waves petunias in my garden when it first came out for pots. I didn't know that these were actually hanging plants so I put them in my garden proper. A few weeks later, everyone was asking me what that pretty flower was that I was growing in my garden. It had spread out and taken over a large section of my border. I had planted 3 of them in one area. Once I have a garden again, you can be sure I'll be doing that again. The thing is, they don't look like the old border petunias so they make a great statement.
I think though that your best bet for quick catch up would be Miracle Grow. My sister in law is big on annuals as a filler for her perenials and she has the most healthy and robust looking ones I've ever seen. I asked her secret, and it's called Miracle Grow.
Good luck on the gardening.... I wish I was in your shoes, alas, we are still working on the outside of our house this year, so I can only hope that I'll be able to garden next year.
I agree with Inglewood....Geraniums are so hardy and insect resistant....marigolds are also hardy and colourful .Impatience is a good ground cover.I have been planting more perennials each year . Lillies ,daisies,flocks, mums are very colourful and bloom at different times giving colour all season.
I am glad to hear you were able to return those plants without a hassle...it does restore our faith in humanity. :) I lost 4 clematis's one year but didn't think of returning them...from now on I will though.
Petunias are really quick. Geraniums are also a good choice ...not as quick but hearty. Impatients take a little more time and sometimes can be fickle depending on sun and how rainy it is there. ....regular impatiens for shade, sunny impatiens for sunny areas.