I'm thrilled to be moving to a place in NYC with outdoor space, and I want to start gardening again! The places we're considering all have long, narrow planters already built in, which I'd love to utilize instead of replacing. I'm unsure what shrubs would thrive in these conditions. I'm thinking about bleeding hearts, even though they're not native. Any other suggestions? Here's a pic for reference: [planter image link].
2 Answers
Make sure to consider how much sun or shade your planters will get. The materials and placement can really influence the soil's temperature and moisture levels. Native plants are a smart choice since they usually handle weather extremes better once they get settled in!
I've got bleeding hearts thriving here on Long Island, so they might do well for you too! Another great option is columbine; I've had success with that in similar setups. Also, my neighbor has little evergreens in her narrow planters, and they're doing just fine. If you want something that's pretty foolproof, try zinnias—they always flourish for me, regardless of where I plant them!
Columbine sounds gorgeous! I'm glad to hear about the bleeding hearts, too—I was worried they might not adapt well. I'll definitely give it a shot! Not a fan of evergreens, though; they don’t really catch my eye.