A brave new gardener sent in this question recently:
“I finally want to have some greenery on my patio. Can you suggest some flowers and foliage that will make it look warm and inviting? I SUCK at this. = )”
Good for you! It’s always a big first step to get growing on a patio, and I have to say, not always successful at first. Take heart if something doesn’t work out the first time, though. My husband is a firm believer in survival of the fittest. He’ll buy 3 different plants and waits to see which one thrives, then he’ll go back and get more that the surviving plant. Here are a few things to experiment with – they are well known “hard to kill” plants. Some do not produce flowers, but will create some lushness on your patio:
Jade – a succulent that can’t be killed. Doesn’t really need water either. It’ll just keep growing, even if you break it off at ground level. Trust me on this one…
Bamboo – there are about 400 different kinds of bamboo for small spaces. Some get wispy at the tips, making it look lush. Ask your nursery professional to suggest one that won’t burst out of a pot too quickly.
Aloe Vera – It doesn’t need much water, it multiplies and becomes a ready-made gift for friends during the holidays.
Wood Fern – (dryopteris expansa) – a very traditional looking fern that will fill in a corner on any patio.
Yarrow – Doesn’t need much water. Puts out yellow or white flowers with silver gray foliage – a nice contrast to other greens in the garden.
Marigolds – These are annuals, meaning they die after a season, but they drop seeds and very often re-seed themselves from year to year. They have yellow and orange flowers and cheer up any space.
Geraniums – There are many different kinds, from the ubiquitous waxy leafed varieties with fuschia flowers to the fuzzy leafed, scented varieties with light pink flowers. (I prefer the latter). If you feel adventurous, try out one to see how it works in your space. I have a lime geranium that won’t quit even after years of abuse.
Aspidistra – A broad-leafed plant, sometimes with a variegated leaf (meaning it has a lighter color on part of the leaf to contrast the green). Some say this one is hard to kill. I think I may have killed one with over-watering, but I can’t honestly remember. Give it a try, it’s a lovely plant.
Philodendrons – If you’re looking for something big to make a statement (like “welcome to my concrete jungle”) this one is for you. It’s big and tropical.
If you’d like to get some flowers going on your balcony, I always suggest starting with bulbs. They’re really easy, and don’t take up a lot of space. Easy bulbs that smell wonderful – hyacinth and paper whites. I also love purple muscari and snow-drops for their showiness.
I hope this gives you a starting point for some great plants to try – Darwin style – on your porch. Keep us posted on how this works out.
Anyone have any other suggestions for our reluctant patio gardener? Post them here.
