Susie Coelho, host of HGTV's Surprise Gardener, talks with homeowners Alexis and Fritz, who have just moved into a new house with a yard that's partly buried in concrete. They love to spend time outside and don't know how to reclaim their land. Landscape designer Mike Guttman is up for the challenge. He feels that areas where the concrete is already broken up can be used for permanent plantings. The patio area is hot, so shade is needed. The leftover concrete can be used to create a terraced area that will add interest from the house and provide privacy. Containers can be used to lend color to the area, and Mike has an idea for using mirrors and a fountain to dress up the entry. The patio will be repainted with a pattern to add interest and cover the cracks. Plants Used in the Makeover At the nursery Mike and Susie chose plants suitable for transforming an ugly concrete side yard into a beautiful garden area: Cannas are tuberous-rooted tender perennials that require full sun and ample water. Mike and Susie chose the variety 'Tropicanna' (figure A). Native to the tropics, cannas are best adapted to areas with hot summers. In climates where the soil freezes deeply, they must be lifted and stored over winter. After the soil has warmed in spring, plant in rich, loose soil -- 5" deep and 10" apart. Remove faded flowers. After all of the flower clusters have bloomed, cut the stalk to the ground.
Marguerite daisy (Chrysanthemum frutescens, also known as Argyranthemum frutescens) (figure B) is a short-lived shrubby perennial in mild-winter zones and an annual elsewhere. It requires full sun and regular water. Pick off faded flowers to prolong the bloom.
Lobelias come in annual and perennial varieties. Most require full sun or partial shade in the hottest regions and ample water. The trailing types are good for hanging planters and terrace gardening; upright cultivars are used in border plantings. Mike and Susie chose Lobelia erinus (figure C), an annual, for this project. Bloom colors range from light blue to violet, and plants do well in the ground or in containers. This plant contains alkaloids and is poisonous.
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