Almost everyone wants a beautiful, care-free garden. As you think about and select plants to buy for that garden you may be hoping for the same thing. As a horticultural consultant, I am frequently told, “I want a low maintenance garden with plants that are easy to grow and easy to maintain.” While there is really no such thing as a maintenance free garden there are some colorful plants you can use that will help your summer be more care-free…that is less time working in the garden and more time enjoying it!
One of my favorite care-free perennial shrubs for blooms from April to November in many areas is the Knock-out Rose. It grows about four feet high and wide and when planted in a sunny location, it will smile with color without the use of pesticides or cutting the stems. It appreciates a light haircut yearly, a feeding of slow-release fertilizer and a drink of water when dry, but other than that it will leave you alone. I think the red and pink varieties are the best.
