I am NOT a gardner, what to plant?

I have tried strawberries for two years, and they failed. I am looking now to plant some easy to take car of flowers to brighten up the back yard. The spot is in the shade 1/2 the day. I would like to put in seeds. Is that easier than starter plants? I am thinking marigolds. Any other ideas? I am in Chicago, so consider the weather.

I am NOT a gardner, what to plant?
Don't plant annuals. They last for one season (6 months) and then you have to plant something else. Sunflowers, daises, petunias, and strawberries are examples of annuals. If you are not into gardening they will probably be too much work for you. Instead ask the person behind the counter at your local plant nursery to suggest flowers that will grow easily and not require much work, also that will overwinter. (that just means you don't have to bring them indoors or start over again next year)
Reply:Try flowers that come up again year to year and they usually multiply.





Starter plants are more harty than starting from seeds. And you will get quicker results.





Check with any neighbors that you have and tell them next time they need to thin out their irises or magnolia, you would love to come help to get some plants. Usually neighbors like to share their plants. And almost any plant can be started from a cutting from another plant. Do some reading. And start several because some might not sprout.








Get the ground tilled up and grass removed and ready to go.





I recently bought a aerogrow. It's a hydroponic for growing herbs inside the house, but you can also use it to start up plants for outside. We like it so well we ordered 3 more of them. So far we have lettuce, tomatoes and herbs and soon some peppers.





lots of luck on your yard
Reply:Daylillies,Daisey's,Hosta sounds like it may also be moist conditions there thats why the strawberries didn't make it.Marigolds might work they are hardy plants but need sun.How about a hydrangea? You might like that.
Reply:daylilies--they're beautiful, perennial so you'll get them every year and easy! Yeah, strawberries are tough to grow, I think.
Reply:Tulips and daffodils both come in a variety of colors and are easy to combine and grow. Not to mention they are a bulb and can be moved or will simply come back time and time again. Mine are already in bloom in Central Oregon.
Reply:sunflowers are extremely easy to grow and very beautiful!!!
Reply:allysums. They're puffy and white and smell divine. You can also buy them in the form of a whole box of seeds to cover a larger area. They're pretty tolerate to heat and drought.
Reply:For easy flowers from seeds, try sunflowers, marigolds, borage, stock, nasturtiums, cornflowers, sweet peas (they'll need canes or trellis to climb but it's well worth the trouble!) and poppies.


From bulbs, daffodils, crocuses, lillies and tulips are all really easy.


Good luck!