I'm a stay-at-home mom with limited funds, and I'm eager to start on my landscaping project in Zone 6a (Chicago Suburbs). I need some low-cost plant fillers that I can work on right now. I've got a lot of full sun in my yard, but unfortunately, many plants seem to fry in this heat and I can't water them every day. I'm good with houseplants and often bring a few outside during summer, but I'm looking for plants, especially tall or medium grasses like zebra grass or lambs ear, that can survive without constant attention. I've noticed flower seeds, but they tend to have poor reviews. I'd appreciate any suggestions for plants that won't crumble or wilt quickly, and also any tips on where to buy affordable starter materials. Thanks!
3 Answers
Since it's a bit late to plant ornamental grass seeds outdoors, I suggest starting them indoors in pots during early spring. Gather them closely and put them in a sunny spot. If you're thinking about flowers, consider easy choices like New England Aster, Butterfly Milkweed, or Black-Eyed Susan that thrive in your zone.
You might want to try zinnias, echinacea, marigolds, catmint, and yarrow. These are pretty resilient and should do well in your full sun conditions. Lantana might also be a great option—it grows like a weed during the summer, just keep in mind you'll need to bring it in during the winter if you want to keep it longer.
Have you thought about why you can't water every day? If it's super sunny, it might be essential. Or you could think about setting up a drip irrigation system—it can save you a lot of hassle!
I totally get that! I have three little ones, so finding time to water can be hectic. I'll definitely look into a budget-friendly drip irrigation system. Thanks for the tip!