Question
Hi....I have a great area in the back of my house that comes out about 12 feet from the house on the South side.  I have tried for 5 years to fill it with Perrenials, but never have too much luck.  I don't know what I am doing wrong!  So, this Spring, I want to do whatever it takes, short of hiring someone.  It is in Northeastern Massachusetts.  This area also has one side of our deck on it, so it would be soooooooooo lovely to look out and see flowers from May-October.  Can you help?  Thanks!

Answer
You really have to "work the dirt" first!

Your soil should be top soil, compost, , sand, cedar mulch/cypress mulch, peat moss and Millorganite (an organic fertilizer found at nurseries).  Mix a huge batch of this and add to your existing soil-tilling it in would be the best.

THEN, find flowers that will tolerate "hot-sunny" areas.  Roses-climbing and bush do well in these areas.  Russian sage, any of the bulbs for spring, summer and fall, asters (short and tall) will do fine!

sijka