Long Lasting Summer Colour

[anthro-nerd]

What should I plant in the garden on a budget, for long lasting colour throughout the summer?

I normally go for violas and then plant some bulbs in and around them... but the new puppy is a digger! So I want to keep things on a budget if possible - maybe seeds? but still have some lovely colourful blooms come late April through to September! Not a lot to ask really... hehe

[ladybirder]

These Erysimum Bowles's Mauve are fantastic. They last at least 3 years and sometimes 4, and spread like crazy. Bees and butterflies like them as well. There are other colours of Erysimum if you don't like mauve. I often split one pot into three pieces when planting and they all take off very quickly.

All you need to know here.
https://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/erysimum-bowless-mauve/classid.1000000009/

[woofgang]

If pup is a digger then while he is a pup, invest in some cheapo large (giant) plant pots , stand those on the bare soil and plant them, mulch around the pots with gravel or bark mulch, either or which will improve your soil. Plant what you like in the pots but put some kind of trailer at the front to disguise the pots. Its worth looking somewhere like freecycle for pots, or ask on your local facebook page.

[ladybirder]

Or do what I did Anthro, invest in some cheap plastic plant covers to stop pup from piddling everything to death. For some strange reason plants don't seem to appreciate dog pee.

[Chipchopper]

Heuchera are fairly tough and come in a wide range of colors for year round interest.