mini gardens?

[michael clubb]

I'm thinking about putting very tiny gardens all over the area where I live. Probably about 3'X3'. I need a point of focus probably in the center and easy care plants and flowers for the balance. Since this is a commmunity project and I will have to do it about of pocket and expect to do about 20 of then in this 10 square block ghetto I need inexpensive plants and flowers. Do, do any of you gardeners out there have any design and planting ideas? Oh, and I live in tacoma washington (lots of rain) if that's of any help.

[Quinn]

What a wonderful thing to do!
I would go to your local nurseries and "big box" stores, tell them what you're doing, and ask for donations.
As far as what to plant? Hopefully others will answer because I am hopeless in the greenthumb department :-)

[michael clubb]

You're right Quinn, I'll do it!

[WS]

Sounds wonderful, Michael. I bet it will look great!

[michael clubb]

thanks to you both. I like the idea of little garden splashes like that. Thing is, I don't know a dang thing about what to plant for the best effect. I'm hoping someone on tbd does.

[michael clubb]

"Splash Gardens". Good name for the project don't you think? And maybe they should all be different sizes depending on the surroundings. Like a little splash of nature and color growing in the cracks and crannies ?

[Stir Young]

I'm not much of a gardener, Michael, but I'm wondering if lots of succulents would work, like impatiens? They love water, mixed sun and shade, and are very colorful.

[Quinn]

Do you want to do annuals or perenials michael?

[michael clubb]

Given a choice, I would like something that stays green most of the year and then blooms in the appropriate
season. Or maybe a combination of that and bulbs. I don't really know. Counting on gardener types like you Quinn, to give me advice on this thing.

[D. D. Olson]

This time of year, and into the fall, you can buy packets of this year's seeds real cheap. The trick is to find the places that do that. It won't help for this year's garden, but in my experience, year-old seeds work just fine the next year. I just plant them a little thicker.

I love the idea of the tiny gardens - let us know how they turn out.

[Jaylee53]

In my neighborhood many folks have turned the small front yards into gardens and prairie lawns with wild flowers. Very pretty and not too expensive since I think they all share the divided perennials every spring...plus it's a good way to know the neighbors.

[Stir Young]

Aren't those prairie lawns actually just weeds? Aren't they cultivated by people who really just don't want to mow any more?

[Jaylee53]

Yup...no more mowing!