Apartment Gardening

[blessednil]

I live in an apartment complex, so space is limited. Front area is approx. 6' L x 3-1/2' W. At one time, this area was spread with rocks. I've tried to wake them up but they reappear. You think they're in the soil and work their way back up? This area gets mid day to evening sun. Another problem with this area is over flowing of rain gutters. One end of area has standing water during heavy rain.
Now the back yard. Last year I tried planting annual seeds. Packaged said variety but only one kind came up. It was a long stem yellow flower. Not very pretty and couldn't stand the sun. I planted seeds along fence and close to wall. Both areas approx. 1-1/2' W x 3' L. Morning til mid day sun.
Soil not very good in either area. I need your advice on what flowers will grow in this condition. I like color and fragrance.

[Newt]

Hi Blessednil,
Yes, rocks will move up in the soil. You might want to try removing the top 12" to 18" and sift it. You can make a sifter and sift over a wheelbarrow. Use scraps of wood of 1" by 2" strips and nail hardware cloth with 1/4" or 1/2" holes to sift out the rocks, depending on how large the rocks are. If you have large rocks, then some type of heavy duty wire basket would work.

http://www.gardengrapevine.com/SoilSifter-892.JPG
http://www.harding.edu/nursing/images/Heifer/HEF1.jpg

I'm wondering if the flowers you wish to plant are perennials or annuals. If you want perennials you will need to tell us your hardiness zone and state so we can make the proper recommendations. If you just want annuals, let us know. You can find your hardiness zone here.

http://www.gardenweb.com/zones/zip.cgi

Newt