just getting started

rookie_2006

20 years ago

Hello. I am brand new to Garden Web and am a bit overwhelmed by how much information is available. I've been in GA almost 10 years but only had vegetable gardens in the past. Trying to landscape many areas at our new house and figuring out what will grow where (we have a lot of direct, Western sun on one side and almost complete shade in another area). Time is limited...am mom to 2 year old triplet boys, but I am very motivated this year as we (the boys and I) can finally get outside again (thank goodness winter is over!). Looking forward to navigating through the threads and the advice and guidance from all of the more experienced gardners out there. Thanks in advance for the help.

Danielle

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Comments (4)

sugarhill
20 years ago
Hey Danielle. Welcome! I don't know anything about the sunny side of your house, but will be happy to help any way I can with the shady side. The book I recommend to people getting started is The Georgia Gardener's Guide by Walter Reeves. It will tell you what does well in Georgia. Lots of people here swear by the Southern Living gardening book too. And as you've probably figured out, lots of people here can answer your questions, so don't be a stranger. Ask away.
squirrellypete
20 years ago
Hello Danielle, from the other Danielle lol! Welcome to the insanity. You have definitely come to the right place for advice. I am still a total newbie but the folks here have been wonderful at sharing their knowledge.

The options are practically endless for sun or shade but some common readily available plants for sun would be:

Daylilies
Butterfly Bush
Canna Lilies
Liriope
Juniper
Verbena

I'll defer to Glynis on the shady things lol. I'm still working on getting more variety in my shade bed.

Welcome to Garden Web. Oh, and if you're interested in meeting folks, getting great plants & eating some food you should come to the garden swap! Sincerely, Squirrellypete
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rookie_2006
Original Author
20 years ago
Thank you. My mom, in NC, is a big GardenWeb advocate and has created most of her gardens (on just over 4 acres) with things she's swapped for. She told me about the Spring Trade and encouraged me to join. Anyway, am not sure I can make the date but I would love to get started exchanging as soon as I figure out what I am trying to do with my space.

Danielle
mairenn
20 years ago
with 2 year old triplets, I am recommending lots and lots of annual beds - mark, point, and let them dig, sprinkle seeds and water! or you can buy flats pretty cheaply of whatever you like. i'm a great advocate for child labor in these days of obesity from lack of exercise.

pick out the seed locations based on whether it says "sun" or "shade" on the seed packet. This will give you something pretty while you figure out what you want to do more permanently. a good thing to start before it gets too much hotter.

you can then use those beds later to put in your perennials, shrubs, etc. so go ahead and visualize where you are going to want them before you mark 'em out. why move 'em later?

have fun.