Hi any ideas for a very novice Gardner?

[Kelly Jo]

I'm looking for a cheap shrub/s that are hardy and require minimal effort that have a pretty flower? Or any ideas in general? I have two rows of beds that are approx 3 meters long that need to be filled. I work all week very long hours therefore I really have no time to look after them once planted but would like a little colour. I was thinking of planting a couple of shrubs or climbers but I'm pretty clueless. � Thanks!

[missieb]

There are loads of shrubs you could use, but for colour over a long period from those that don't grow too quickly, I would suggest
Potentilla fruticosa (little yellow flowers like buttercups)
Euonymus fortunei 'Emerald 'n' Gold' (Gold foliage all year)
Any Hebe with small leaves (white, pink or purple flowers)
Lavender (silver foliage all year & lavender flowers in summer).
You will have a better effect if you plant several of each rather than add any more sorts. All these are cheap and can be planted now as long as you water them very well once a week while the weather is dry. In the autumn you could add daffodil bulbs (very easy) and winter flowering heathers in the gaps between your shrubs.
You won't have to do much work at all as long as your beds have been cleared of weeds before you start.

[sense4all]

Try a busy stall at your local car boot for cheaper options we have half a dozen local guys , some are keen experienced gardeners or local nursery men, selling off their excess to requirements stuff. You can get a lot more bang for your buck with these guys ... you can get some right bargains - leaving you free to splurge on a couple of special plants if you so desire. I saved on filler plants and had enough left over for a couple of really expensive mature black bamboos. Do not overlook village fetes, church sales and so forth all good sources of quality, more modestly priced plants and shrubs.

[retailman]

i like the pretty daylily but i dont know if its cheap or not but if you see it you would buy it :D

http://blogs.chron.com/greenspace/hgimages/day lily.jpg

The above link is a picture of the flower