Atlanta is a great place for all kinds of gardening. Its climate, generous rainfall and soil conditions give this green city enormous potential. So, there are many plants and flowers that do well in this region.
If you're not sure what to plant in your yard, here's a list of ideas great garden ideas that includes a variety of flowers, shrubbery, trees and even potential ground coverage.
Hardy and colorful
Snapdragons are hardy plants that will grow well in practically any part of a sunny yard and can survive for up to two years. You can find them in colors such as purple, crimson and even bronze.
Perennials
Lantana is a shrub-like blooming perennial that can reach as tall as six feet and blooms from early summer to late fall. Although it is considered a weed in some parts of the country, in can be a beautiful addition to practically any landscape. Another attractive perennial is phlox, an upright flowering plant that blooms from late spring to late fall and is available in a variety of vibrant colors: pink, blue, purple, red, white and a particularly lovely coral shade.
Year-round beauty
There are many varieties of sedum available at most home and garden centers, but one popular favorite is autumn joy. It produces a rich, dark pink flower in late summer, which turns a rust color in the fall. It can serve as a ground cover if planted abundantly enough and will grow back every spring with no effort.
Seasonal
An attractive and unusual plant to consider is the cleome or spider plant. It initially gained popularity during the Victorian era, and blooms in varying shades of white and pink. It self-sows after initial planting, and creates a delicate spindly flower from mid-summer to mid-fall.
Trees and shrubs
When it comes to trees and shrubs, crape myrtle is one plant no yard should be without. Azaleas and rhododendrons are great bordering shrubs, as well as gardenias and camellias. The August beauty gardenia blooms twice a year once in the spring and once in the fall and can fill your entire yard with an incredible, rich fragrance. Nandina and juniper seem to work well together for contrast, and planting bulbs like tulips, hyacinth and lilies throughout adds great spring color.
Other options for our area
Other fun garden ideas to consider for your yard are sunflowers, morning glories, shasta daisies, elephant ear and red banana trees. All of these respond resoundingly well in our region, but will require replanting each year. If you're unsure how to map your garden, or simply need ideas for what flowers will complement your house best, contact your Atlanta-area landscaper.
