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visiting friends in Shreveport
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Posted by whynotmi 5/6 (My Page) on Thu, May 29, 08 at 12:08
| I'm visiting friends in Shreveport and they've asked me for some help with the landscape of their newly purchased home. The front bed is in heavy shade from a magnolia and I assume water distress from the tree sucking out moisture as well. But I don't know much about southern gardens. They have lantana and colancia (sp?)along with some iris and some sort of odd narrow blade leafed upright plant that they say gets to about 10-12" and blooms blue. So, what in the world grows down here in shade and somewhat dry. They are NOT into maintaining stuff as both are busy with their jobs. (I sort of want to suggest evergreen shrubs but they want flowers in warm tones of orange, red, yellow if possible)
Also, can magnolia leaves be chopped and used for mulch? They look to me like they might work well as mulch since they are heavy and don't look like they'd rot down quickly.
Any help is appreciated.
A corn yankee lost in the southern garden. :) |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: visiting friends in Shreveport
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Have they limbed up the magnolia? Usually magnolia trees are Christmas tree shaped and the branches go all the way down. Well, anyway, many people grow cast iron plant under heavy shade. No flowers on it. Others grow hosta, which does not fit the orangey flowers but they can find variegated kinds. Impatiens would grow in shade and have many bright colors, however in my experience they need to be watered regularly. Depending on the size they want underneath (large or small), they can plant astilbe (several colors usually pink, red, or white), hydrangea (also needs watering), and ferns (no flowers). There are many choices.
Magnolia leaves will take a long time to break down. But I think they could be used as mulch if mowed or shredded first. |
RE: visiting friends in Shreveport
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| thanks for the info. the magnolia has been limbed up quite a bit. I'll talk to them about using the leaves (chopped) as mulch. cheers. |
RE: visiting friends in Shreveport
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| I forgot to mention heuchera (coral bells) for shade. Several different foliage colors and has flowers. |
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