This year, I planted in the same fashion under the same tree, and I'm not having very much luck!!! The plants all have few leaves on them, but new buds are continuing to form and flowering. I'm wondering if the deer or rabbits are getting to them. The few leaves that are there look healthy?

From the same flats, I planted some of the impatiens in planters, and those have done VERY well.

Anyone else experience this? Thanks in advance!!!

I too am having the same problem. Last year I planted impatiens under my tree and they bloomed like crazy. This year however, my impatiens did not do so great. The only possible thing I can think of is that the tree is taking in most of the water. I noticed new shoots at the base of my tree, something I didnt have last year. Last year I had only a few shoots, but this year I have so much. To top it off, last years shoots are now 8' tall. Because of this, my flowers got very little light and every time I water, the roots of the tree have been benefiting from it leaving the impatiens with no water or sun. I fertalized too...again..the impatiens did not bloom like it could. The tree however is out of control. Next year I will need a new spot for my flowers.

Just looking around my neighborhood year after year...
good rain - good impatiens, guys who water there lawns and gardens incessantly: good impatiens.
water well, nevery let soil dry out, feed once a month

I took a picture of them today, just wish I knew how to get them on here!