Hi new to the flower and garden forum!!

[tikilyn]

This is my first post here! My dh and I bought a house in 04 and I have yet to plant flowerbeds yet. I live in the deep south of Texas and we have great weather here pretty much year around.

My frist attempt at planting plants is/was a disaster. Last September I planted 3 gardenia bushes. They have all died and I have replaced them and now the new ones are starting to die.

Anyways has anyone ordered from Spring hill nursey before (internet site)? I ordered from them and am waiting for my order. Oh I order Hedge rose bushes to line my walkway and drive way. Anybody have these and are they easy to grow? Anytips for a first timer?

Thanks
Sabrina

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Before you plant another thing, do a few things. First, buy a good book on plants that are hardy to your region, or find a few good lists, or talk to a few neighbors...that way you know you're planting things that will thrive in your yard.
Second, prepare the garden beds to plant. Depending on the condition of the soil, this could mean amending the heck out of the bed. Do you have clay? Sand? Any organic material? Acid or alkaline conditions? Usually a particular area of the country will have a tendency to have similar conditions to work with, so again, ask your gardening neighbors, or your county extension service. They can also do soil testing for you, if needed. If you don't want to get that involved, at the very least, amend your soil with a good quality compost (bagged or homemade) and work it deeply into the soil. Use a lot if the soil seems very dry/sandy or very hard/compacted. Even if you don't test the soil, this will fix a variety of evils.
Gardening is a lifelong learning process. I suggest taking it slowly, talking to as many gardeners as you can find, talking to the staff at the local nursery (avoid the Home Depot/ Walmart/ Lowe's staff...they aren't required to know that much to get the job, believe me), and buying only a few things at a time until you're confident that you're doing it right. Buy a book or two (Rodale books are great! They lean towards organic gardening practices). Have fun.

 

[UrsulasShadow]

Oh, and a driveway in Brownsville, TX might get mighty hot. If you plant roses there, plant them back about 3 feet, and give them plenty of mulch and plenty of water. Hope you don't have any watering restrictions where you live, or you may lose them to the heat. Read the planting instructions that come with the plants, amend the soil with a TON of compost (roses love rich soil!). I've grown plants from SpringHill before, but I always have better luck with plants grown in my zone. In your case, it's cold-hardiness zone 9b (sorry, didn't look up the heat zone...that's probably very important in your area).

 

[mommytotwo]

No tips here, but just wanted to welcome you to the forum.

 

[DebºoºS]

You're in the right place for gardening tips. The Buds here are always willing to help.
I've ordered from Spring Hill. Can't remember exactly what but I do remember it was delivered in good condition and on time. Good luck with your gardening and keep us posted as to your progress.

 

[bobbiwoz]

DH is always going to Brownsville for work in Metamoros, and sometimes I join him.

I would definitely visit local garden supply stores, and look at my neighbors' gardens to see what looks nice.

Spring Hill is right up the road from me (I-75), when I lived in PA I bought from them and was pleased, it's just too far to get there now. I do buy locally.

Bobbi