First time gardener-sugg's on where to start this spring? i have about 30 sq feet of flower bed area ....i kno

it is a 1/2 sunny and 1/2 shady spot depending on the time of day of cource. i live in arkansas lots of heat and humidity instore this summer-iwantcurb appeal with littlemaintenance-just watering and weeding-would be great?flowers and bushes are what i want...pls help?

First time gardener-sugg's on where to start this spring? i have about 30 sq feet of flower bed area ....i kno
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Reply:A kiss from Arkansas.

Here we have a good season for many different flowers. I had a landscaping business years ago. What I would recommend; First you can remove the grass from your area, which is a lot of work (Get your Boyfriend/Husband, Ha!) OR, I found I could spray the area with "Roundup" (Do when it not rain, as, it will not work if it rain after you spray). When the Grass start to die in a few days to a week, depends how strong the Roundup mix was, Put a 3-4 inch layer of Mulch over it, 4 is best, use hardwood. As it decompose/pack down it will be 3 inch in time. The Mulch will keep grass from coming back, just keep runners from sneaking in on top. When you mow, blow grass away from the flower bed, or you just re-seed it. Mulch help retain moister and keep it easy, Weeds will pull out Root and all and just throw them on the lawn and the sun cook them to a "Crackly Crunch".

Now, about flowers. I not recommend Bushes a lot, maybe something that not grow big is OK. One reason, bushes just give thieves a place to hide, it may not matter, but, this what Cops would say and it may not be bad advice. Also, Bushes need maintenance or they can grow big. Things that need full sun may not flower well, especially Crape Myrtles. A Hibiscus (Rose of Sharron) will do well, though it may need trimmed and you may want it at the furthest point from door, Bumble Bees love Hibiscus, but, I ignore them and they ignore me. Most Flowers you buy at Wal-Wort, Home Depot, Lowe's, Local Nurseries etc. should do well for our Climates. Wierd things that they may sell from time to time may not live. Hosta are nice and have some small flowers. Just get Flowers that are Medium Sun, I would say. You may try a few Gerber Dasies up front where they get most sun. They have Beautiful Flowers all summer, but, do like some sun, but, always worth trying one or two. Also, look around at some homes with an Elderly lady with nice flowers, they are always a good source of information AND Flowers/Cuttings. ;-p Well, I not sure what else to say, if, I said anything. Good Luck!
Reply:go to your local garden center and they will be able to help you to get the right flowers.

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