skip to main content

Potager Gardens

Attractive, hopefully cheap, mulch that will be gone next year?

13 years ago

I have a lawn gone bad on the side of the house....I am covering with cardboard with holes for the plants I want. This area will be expanded next year, but want some kind of attractive mulch this year. Something that would grow well in about an inch of dirt would be good too.

Any suggestions?

This is pretty much a full sun area....

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

lisa33
13 years ago
Alyssum? Are you looking for an annual that won't self-seed, though? I am having a hard time thinking of any. Another that will self-seed is California Poppy. I had good luck starting both from seed this year and both are blooming now. Don't know if either suggestion helps! Hopefully others will chime in.

Lisa
ali-b
13 years ago
alyssum was my thought too. Although it does reseed. Maybe a few wave petunias to fill in the area until you're ready for next year.
t-bird
Original Author
13 years ago
I do have a lot of allysum seed - and that is one thing that may be welcome back next year!

Wave petunias are lovely, but I don't want to put too many holes in the cardboard as these weeds are dreadful...just putting in spots for my blueberry and strawberry plants....

also - wave petunias would be pricey to purchase.....are they easy to start from seed?
lavender_lass
13 years ago
Alyssum will not only make a good mulch, but will attract beneficial insects to your garden...plus alyssum has a very nice fragrance :)

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES New Ways to Think About All That Mulch in the Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Before you go making a mountain out of a mulch hill, learn the facts about what your plants and soil really want

MOST POPULAR Rethinking Beige in a World Gone Gray

Gray, the ‘it’ neutral of recent years, has left beige in the shade. But is it time to revisit this easy-on-the-eyes wall color?

GARDENING GUIDES The Art of Green Mulch

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

You can design a natural garden that doesn’t rely on covering your soil with wood and bark mulch

HOUZZ TOURS My Houzz: 1921 Portland Bungalow Gone Glam

By Teness Herman

Vintage cabinets, pastel colors and creative flair outfit a cozy jewelry and mixed-media artist’s home

GARDENING GUIDES How to Pick a Mulch — and Why Your Soil Wants It

By Jocelyn H. Chilvers

There's more to topdressing than shredded wood. Learn about mulch types, costs and design considerations here

GARDENING GUIDES Attract Hummingbirds and Bees With These Beautiful Summer Flowers

By Annie Thornton

Roll out a welcome mat for pollinators to keep your landscape in balance and thriving

COLOR How to Use Marsala, Pantone’s 2015 Color of the Year

By Jennifer Ott Design

Pantone digs deep and goes earthy with its selection. Here are ways to make it work in your home

NATIVE PLANTS 5 Ways to Keep Your Native Plant Garden Looking Good All Year

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It’s all about planning ahead, using sustainable practices and accepting plants as living organisms

THE HARDWORKING HOME 8 Laundry Room Ideas to Watch For This Year

By Mitchell Parker

The Hardworking Home: A look at the most popular laundry photos in 2014 hints that dog beds, drying racks and stackable units will be key

DECLUTTERING Clutter vs. Keepers: A Guide to New Year's Purging

By Laura Gaskill

Simple questions to get in touch with your clutter comfort level — and figure out what needs to go

Sponsored