A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion New Members Hello from MN! Need help - pic heavy

Hello! I have been lurking around this forum for awhile - what a wonderful place to learn! I recently bought a house in Minnesota, and it was empty for two years with no garden or lawn care before we bought it. This summer has been a lawn battle, since it was more weeds than actual grass, but we have it under control finally. As for the gardens, I have plenty of space and it is wonderful. I have started planning for next spring, but this summer is almost over. I have some areas of full blinding sun, and some beautiful areas of complete shade 24/7, and everything in between. I am so excited! There are a few trees too, but I am not sure of their species. I really am a complete newbie at this!


We installed a fence for the pups, but it is not beautiful. I would like to plant some vines along it. I was thinking sweet pea, scarlet runner bean, or hyacinth bean. This will be full sun. Any thoughts on this? Also, I have somewhat sandy soil. I would like to plant something in front of the vines, such as little areas of yellow daylilies. Here are some oddball areas of the yard, and the tall fence along the back of the yard



In the front yard, I would like something to go under the front window - a pretty bush or group of tall flowers, but something that doesn't need much attention. Perhaps hydrangeas? Once again, full sun.


I have created a small water garden. It is more a reflection pool than anything, I don't plan to add fish to this one. Half of it is in deep shade, and I would like to grow mosses around the rocks and some ferns where there is enough soil. I love japanese style gardens, so I incorporate that influence where I can. I may buy round river rocks to surround the striking granite pieces, and only use moss around them. This is the reflection pool, I will add more rock soon, I just built it yesterday!




The huge bald spot that I am ignoring in the middle of the yard is where there was a hot tub that we removed, and we are having a large koi pond professionally built next spring. It's an eyesore, but there's no reason to worry about it right now.


So, what do you think? I would like to hear any ideas, and especially want pointers on where to put trees and gardens around the yard.

Welcome Phalene. You have wonderful blank slate to work with there. I grow in a totally different zone so I won't get specific about plants. Hardiness varies so much.
But the fence first; dogs tend to run the perimeter of their space. They can wipe out plantings that aren't pretty sturdy and make their own path.
I love your plans so far. In my zone hydrangeas fry in full sun but they may do well in yours up there.
Have you considered fragrance in your space? lilacs, peonies and a lot of other choices out there.
Then there are edibles. You could use asparagus for a ferny affect and also get a crop of something tasty in a year or two. I don't know if rhubarb grows well in Mn. but if it does it has a dramatic leaf effect.
Hostas for shade along with flowering shade plants. Fill in with annuals in the summers. Go for a tropical or two that you can grow in pots to bring in and winter over. You will love those near your koi pond and on your deck later on.
I will keep on trying to think up things to help you along as I can.

Thanks Tina! I have a lovely lilac bush in the shade, and I plan to spread it around if I can! I have two potted split-leaf philodendron in my library, do you think I could put these outside in the summer? They sure are dramatic! Rhubard grows like a maniac here, but I worry about my dogs eating it. I might plant it outside of the fence, because I love to cook with it. Peonies are so lovely, I don't know why I didn't think of that! Thanks again for the tips Tina :)

Even here all through summer my lilacs are mostly in sun. You can propagate by cuttings. Or if they are like mine I can just dig rooted sucker from the bottom of the shrub.
My monstera (split leaf philo) grows outdoors year round here but needs some or mostly shade So if you have a shady spot to park your monsteras, tuck them outside for the warmer months. They will love you for it.

I am so glad to hear that they can go outside! They are getting way too big for my house - I don't exactly know what to do with them anymore. How cold is too cold for them to be outside? Here's a pic:





So much for this room being my library... It is the "philodendron" room. Can I prune them down or anything?

On this page is some info that will help you out although I'm not sure it has any info on pruning plilos.
http://www.thegardenhelper.com/cgi-bin/ubb/cgi/ultimatebb.cgi/topic/67/1213.html

Thanks everyone! I can't wait to add some trees this fall, it sure needs some! Any suggestions for my area? I really like birch trees.