QuestionI am having more than 100 guests over for a picnic in less than 2 weeks (September 4) and would like to add some bright color along my long, curvy, uphill driveway. Currently I have some young, small Blue Point and Mint Julep Junipers planted along it, but they haven't filled out yet and I want to plant something really pretty and blooming and drought-tolerant "in-between" and right up against the driveway. Ideally I'd like a perennial with an extended bloom period so I can enjoy my efforts in future seasons. But of course, I'm limited by what's blooming in the nurseries at the moment. The area gets full afternoon sun, in Zone 7 Georgia. THANKS FOR ANY IDEAS!
AnswerEllen,
Of course there is no question as to what will bring instant color now and all through the Fall and is also a perennial.The ever popular,always in demand fall Chrysanthemum,aka "mums".You can buy them small,large or medium size.You can buy them when they are just budding, almost in bloom with a hint of color,partially in bloom with some new buds coming on or in full bloom. They are on the shelfs of garden centers now. But don't go for the small,full bloom early type you see at Wal Mart and Lowes now.These little things have been forced early by big greenhouses for quick impulse sales and will not make good perennials. Wait until you see the larger nurseries and roadside plant growers bring out their crops. They will be with the pumpkins,straw bales, gourds and all the fall looking harvesty stuff.
With you living in Georgia,you probably already see them out for sale since you are about a month and a half ahead of us here in Western Ky. You have a HUGE range of colors now.And with all the competition amongst growers,because fall "mums" are easy to grow,the prices have dropped over the last 10 years and you buy in quantity.If you get some small ones you could pay as little as $3 to $6 per plant.And since you are going all the way up your driveway,they should be small.Don't dwarf the Junipers because they need room to spread. In a few years you can also divide the mums and put them in several locations.I move mine around like furniture.HA! You could do a two color combo or all different colors or for a more formal look,just one color. It's up to you and your personal taste. Right now that's your best bet.There are probably several more plants that I could ponder on,but the "mums" will give you instant impact and color and are very easy to plant.Here are some sources for you to have a look at some or other perennials:Wayside Gardens, Bluestone Perennials,Walters Gardens,White Flower Farm,Jackson Perkins,Spring Hill Nursery. Good Luck and Have fun!
