Landscaping: What to do?

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flutterbyte Lombard, IL May 20, 2007 8:56 PM	I put this path in the other day and I want to plant a border of everblooming shrubs. I'm tired of wasting time and money on plants that just don't work. I think pink rose bushes would be nice, I have pink blooming magnolia and rose of sharon...but I don't have much experience with roses, so I'm hoping someone can suggest a type of bush that'll do well in Illinois. View Larger
WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland (United Kingdom) May 20, 2007 9:55 PM	I am not too sure about your climate in IL, how cold it gets in winter etc, but if it aint too cold, how about a Lavender LOW HEDGE, it just needs a trim once a year after flowering, smells great as you brush past on the path AND you can plant spring bulbs that will grow through it, easy peesy. I dont know what kind of roses you can grow there other than to sugest BUSH type, but to some people. roses are a lot of bother, they need pruned, fed, watered, dead headed to keep the flowers blooming and IF you dont prune, will cut you to threads as you pass by them, so you will need to do a bit of research as you will need a good few rose bushes looking at the length of your path, sorry cant be of more help, but good luck anyway. WeeNel.
flutterbyte Lombard, IL May 21, 2007 10:35 AM	Thanks WeNel, funny, Lavender was another consideration. Also a plant I have no expierence with. I'm going shopping! WootWoot!
nanny_56 Putnam County, IN (Zone 5b) May 21, 2007 11:51 AM	For easy care & very low maintainence you could use one of the Knockout Roses. They do have a couple of pink ones. They are very hardy and take care of themselves!!
ecrane3 Dublin, CA (Zone 9a) May 21, 2007 6:37 PM	If you want to do lavender, make sure you have excellent drainage and don't water them excessively in the summer once they're established--they tend to be happier in dry climates where they don't get much summer water. People in your area can grow them, but you do need to be careful and if you have heavy clay soil they may not do well.
WeeNel Ayrshire Scotland (United Kingdom) May 21, 2007 6:54 PM	Good point Ecrane about the soil holding water, I have a large garden and as you will know, these have dry areas and moist, on the damper areas, if I want to grow Mediteranian type plants like Lavender, I just chuck in some horticultural sand, (not builders or beach sand) add some grit, they dont like a RICH soil, but it is worth the effort, for me anyway. But a long, double border aint cheep to plant up, so go around the neighbourhood and watch out for what is growing well, at least that way you will know what copes with your climate before you go spend a lot of money. Good soil test by hand is, pick up some soil on palm of hand and give it a squeeze, if it is crumbley, you have soil that drains well, if moisture comes out or it stays in a clump, it will hold a lot of moisture, hope that helps you some, happy shopping. WeeNel.
nanny_56 Putnam County, IN (Zone 5b) May 21, 2007 7:53 PM	Remember that Lavender will attract bees and will not always be in bloom, if that is what you are wanting. Good luck!!
flutterbyte Lombard, IL May 21, 2007 9:15 PM	Wow, thanks for all the advice... The Lavender was more affordable then the Knockout roses. I'm gonna try a lavender border with one rosebush at the end... About the soil mixture, will the rosebush thrive in a similar mixture? This is going to be a fun weekend project!
nanny_56 Putnam County, IN (Zone 5b) May 21, 2007 10:22 PM	Should be okay. I had mine in good old Indiana clay. But in general roses need a good bit of water but don't like to have their roots standing in it. The Knockout roses don't seem to be as picky as your hybrids and other types. More forgiving, that's why I grew them!! Lavender and roses would be beautiful together!!
flutterbyte Lombard, IL May 21, 2007 10:31 PM	Everyone has been so helpfull! In the past I've made the mistake of putting very thirsty plants next to plants who like it very dry shakes head. I'm also putting in a small porch, I can't wait to smell the Lavender while hanging out on my new porch!

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