Need Advice - Flowers or Flowering Plants on Sidewalk

**danielclark** · 07-06-2009, 07:15 AM

Hi Everyone

I'm in Brooklyn, NY.

The City of New York just planted a tree in front of my house. They dug and prepared a 4' x 6' area for the tree. I would like to plant some flowers or flowering plants ( not too tall & very low maintenance) in the the area beneath the tree.

I'm not a gardener and don't know much about flowers, but I do love to look at them. Please give me some ideas of what I could plant.

Thank you in advance.

**ilovechocolate** · 07-06-2009, 08:20 AM

Google some gardening sites and find out what gardening zone you are in. Then use their tips to decide what to buy.

Or go to a local garden center and explain the situation.

I'm in Georgia so I can't give you any other advice about the particulars of where you live.

Have fun with your garden!

**Contrary Housewife** · 07-06-2009, 12:47 PM

You might want to put some bulbs in this fall, crocus, hyacinth, daffodils, or tulips. They will come up every year, provided squirrels don't get them.

On top of that you can plant annuals, like petunias which seem to do well every year, or whatever perennials are hardy in your gardening zone.

Whatever you plant will probably need regular watering during the summer. The small area of exposed soil and the concrete will make the soil dry out faster than it would in a rural area.

**Laurie in Bradenton** · 07-06-2009, 01:15 PM

Watch the spot for a week. Make sure its not a regular "pit stop" for the dogs in your building or near by ones. Otherwise anything you plant will get burned to death. Most plants can take alittle urine but if too many are using that spot your plants will not thrive.
You may also want to check with your local parks or street maintenance guys before planting. They may pull up anything you put in. It would be a shame to waste your time and efforts.
Since your intrested in planting you might check on a local community garden. Your efforts would be welcome and well rewarded not only with beauitful flowers but with new friends.
I volunteer at a local public park and the community garden backs up to our project. Many voluntters cross over and share. Its very rearding to all involved.
Laurie in Bradenton

**frugalfranny** · 07-07-2009, 12:23 AM

A super easy and fragrant addition would be the annual......allysum.. (low growing ground cover with a white bloom)......often can find the seeds at a dollar store. So...cheap and easy. Toss a few packs in the area. You will have to keep them moist to germinate but after that they re-seed each year(might need to toss one or two packs next year, just to fill in) and smell really good.

IF.....like a prior poster stated the dogs don't pee on them all the time........or you don't have a bunch of birds that will come in and eat the seeds before they germinate. Would bet the dogs will be your biggest threat to anything you try.

could even put some bulbs under the allysum seeds......let us know what you decide to do........good luck.
I always buy a few packs every year to fill in some bare spots in my garden.