So, I've decided that I'm going to take over the two places in my yard that we actually don't have anything planted. One area is by our garage at the end of the driveway and it's just a patch of dirt where we used to have a mount of top soil when we moved in and were landscaping. Now it just looks gross and it's kind of sad because we have a gorgeous Japanese maple in the center that we've had for about 5 or 6 years since it was a sapling and it just doesn't look right on top of a pile of dirt. I want to put something that flowers there, maybe something I could cut and keep in a vases inside the house, but I don't know if it would hurt the maple. Anyone have any ideas of something pretty to grow there? It's a shady area due to the house and tree. The other area is partly shady (more mottled shade due to trees). I once claimed it before and tried to grow some flowers, but the soil was pretty poor and I lost interest since I was young at the time. I'm thinking about starting an herb garden since we have just about everything else, even down to a fig tree. It's a really small area, so I'm kind of limited on what I can grow. We already have mint due to an ant problem so I don't need that, but I definatly want parsley. I have no idea what else though. I would really appreciate any ideas for that as well? I'm kind of rambly because it's late, but I'd really appreciate all your expert opinions. Thanks!
Flowers under the maple won't hurt it, unless you grow a really invasive plant that you'll have to dig up to get rid of. As far as the shady part look up shade loving plants or rock garden plants. Lillies would probably go there as long as they get some sun or they won't flower. Hostas are good even in deep shade and you can get a lot of color variations (there mostly leaf and have a white or purple spikey flower). Echinacea seems to grow well under trees, lemon balm (but it can take over), thyme grows anywhere, most perennial herbs would work. Mix herbs with your flowers you'll have the best of both worlds.
If you are looking for something simple, like a ground cover or something, I really like the way vinca looks.
You have to improve the soil to get flowers to grow. Tilling in mushroom compost, or even bags of organic top soil and compost will help. You need to till, or turn the soil, to airate it, and to allow the seeds room to open and grow. Most gardening books will give you good idea on tips for better soil. If the soil isn't good, it won't support life.
My company uses organic composted cotton burrs. I love the stuff(not literally). I used it in my garden, this stuff rocks.
