Question
Hi Richard-I just need some advice and how to prepare my mostly clay garden for happy growing! Last year I planted some begonias and they never grew because of the poor soil conditions. I don't want to have to do anything too high maintenance but something that will help my flowers grow. Also, I live in Okla. so we have hot, windy drought-like conditions in the summer. I have morning sun and afternoon shade-what type of flowers would your reccomend? Thanks!

Answer
i'm in southern, NJ.
most plants will do well w/morning sun and afternoon shade. they are the best conditions(sun in AM & cool shade in late PM). marigolds, impatiens, vinca, coleus, and numerous others will do well there. before planting add compost material to the top of the ground 2-4" thick. work it in w/a shovel or roto-tiller to 8-12" down. after planting sprinkle a good granular fertilizer(i like Espoma brand fertilizers - plantone, hollytone, rosetone, etc.) over the ground before mulching w/a good root or shredded hardwood mulch.
visit a few local garden centers/nurseries to find someone knowledgeable on landscaping. make an overhead rough drawing of the area to be worked on & take it w/you. label it w/length & width dimensions. buy your products from them & they should be glad to help you design and educate you on how to install the plants in your area. work one area at a time adjusting your taste as you go along. ask them to name the appropriate size & type plants for the areas you want to plant up. they will recommend soil amendments and other products(mulch, fertilizer, etc.) to help you be successful and get a good looking landscape. good luck
rick
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