ceriniel2006 asked:


I am not a gardener but I do appreciate a nice-looking garden. I have a very busy schedule which necessitates the need for low maintenance. Can you suggest a variety of plants, ground cover and shrubs for Zone 5a? I live on a moraine and most of my area is in a shady northern exposure. Ideally I’d also like to mix in a few plants that will keep away mosquitoes and other biting insects. Thanks in advance.

Traveler asked:


I was given an estimate from a local “lawn care specialist” to put in a lawn: spreading 20 yards of top soil and planting seed over and area that is 1/10th of an acre for $800.00. Just before putting the seed down he told me he forgot to add fertilizer and hay for mulch. He insisted that at the very least I need the hay which will cost and additional $200.00 and fertilizer would be “a bit more”.

I assumed when he gave me an estimate to put a lawn over a bare already graded area, that fertilizer and mulch were included in the price. I have not paid the final half yet and want other opinions as to whether these items are typically part of an estimate.

I feel this to be similar to being told that a visiting nurse will cost $180.00 for a four hour visit that will cover an exam and dressing changes, then after she shows up be told that the sterile gauze and normal saline will be an additional $45 or the wound will just be left open!