Do you have dreams about the perfect garden? Have you read all the books, spent time wandering around your local flower nursery or flower stand at the public market, talking to the florist about what you would do with your garden, if only your yard was a little better?
While there is a lot of fuss made about "green thumbs," the truth is gardening is very much dependent on land. Things like rain, drought, shade, or the lack thereof can cripple your dreams of being a home gardener before you even have a chance to get started.
But if your garden happens to be in a subprime plot, don't give up yet! There are a number of ways to make your gardening dream a reality.
Too Much Shade
Plants need sunlight, it's how they produce their energy. But just because your garden is in a shady patch doesn't mean you are doomed to a dusty patch of earth. The trick is to mix in some foliage which will thrive in the shadows
Things You'll Need: Sheers
Perfect Flowers: HoneySuckle; Ferns; Hydrangeas
Too Much Sun
A full sun garden space might seem like a dream come true, but in reality, it can often bring on a world of challenges. You will need to supply enough water to compensate for these flower's explosive growth and use a rich enough mulch to keep the soil from drying out.
Things You'll Need: A heavy duty garden hose; Mulch
Perfect Flowers: Hardy Hibiscus; Coreopsis; Butterfly Weed
Too Dry
If you live in a dry area and don't want to waste tons of water to keep your plants looking lively, it can be discouraging. But if you choose the right plants and accent them with an interesting mulch, then you can create a garden arresting as any.
Things You'll Need: Garden decorations; colorful mulch
Perfect Flowers: Lavender; Perovskia; Gaura
Too Wet
This might be the most discouraging of all. Too much rain or poor drainage can completely drown your garden before it's even had a chance. The best way to combat this is to choose flowers that can withstand some water and create a wet garden.
Things You'll Need: Bug Spray
Perfect Flowers: Monkshood; Marsh Marigolds; Loosestrife
There are a number of general tips for gardening: A good hose should last five to 10 years, always make sure water your plants every day. But sometimes those tips aren't enough. Hopefully, this guide has provided you with some useful tips to overcome your problematic garden.
