six weeks to WOW!

You don't have to wait forever or spend a fortune to get fantastic results.

Patience is a virtue, but not always required. If you want sensational color with little wait-and don't want to spend big bucks-do what Jan Cash did: Start with cell-pack-size plants, and choose colors that work together as one. Installed just six weeks prior to this photo, the end results speak for themselves. Be inspired to follow Jan's advice in your own yard.

Tight Space Becomes Bright Space

During construction of the rock wall across the front yard, Jan requested that it be pushed back 30 inches from the sidewalk so that she would have a bed to plant. She chose to make one bold statement by placing the majority of her annuals and perennials at the front entrance to her home, instead of sprinkling them throughout the yard. While some folks may have filled the area with monkey grass or pebbles, this long, narrow strip of color proves that you can have traffic-stopping curb appeal in a little space.

Trade Secrets Yield Success

Not only is Jan a smart gardener, but she's a savvy interior decorator too. Drawing from that knowledge, she selected her palette based on colors that have worked for interiors. "I'm a huge fan of purples, chartreuse, and copper and decided to try them in the garden," says Jan. To reflect those tones, she purchased cell-pack-size 'Purple Wave' petunias, 'Serena Purple" angelonia, 'Homestead Purple' verbena, 'Sedona' coleus, and 'Chartreuse'Joseph's coat (Alternantheraficoidea 'Chartreuse'). The 'Rubrum' purple fountain grass was the only exception. "I bought gallon-size plants," she confides.

Jan says folks are always stopping to take a look. Some passersby have even paused to thank her for her efforts. -REBECCA BULL REED

For More Info

New types of perfect petunias: southernliving.com/march2007

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"Cut and come again" is Jan's motto for nonstop flowers. Not only does she pinch and snip off spent blooms as they fade, but she also aggressively prunes when plants, such as this petunia, start to grow out of bounds. Even the coleus and verbena get a thorough trim. A small pair of hand clippers will allow you to snip away faded buds while stimulating new growth. Feed with a water-soluble fertilizer such as 24-8-16 every two weeks, and you will be rewarded with flowers all summer long.

left: These flowers were planted where they could be enjoy ed-out front for all to see. Even small plants will look great in no time flat, if you start with a wellprepped bed. above: Jan Cash does most of her gardening early in the morning before the sun gets too hot.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mar 2007
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