Just starting out in Pasadena, California needing outdoor plants.

[apap2]

I live in Pasadena, California in an apartment building where the owner has left the plantable areas in front of each of the apartments barren.
He has no problem if someone plants stuff there as long as they take care of it.
I started to do so and the entire building loved it. Now they all want me to keep planting & would like me to continue on my area and the other barren areas.
Im trying to do so. Problem is I dont have a suply of free plants. <I planted what I had> I Cant afford em and this is a low income building so we dont have the money to buy em.. Its funny but people here didnt use to talk to each other much till I put a few plants in the ground & they took off & now the area in front of my apartment is where most people are hanging out..
People love it.
So far I have planted 3 elephant ears<Those grew huge>, An actual Sweet potato plant thats become a hanging vine<I actually planted an old sweet potato & it grew>. 2 Jade plants that I picked up from some ones trimmings & about 4 I picked up at the 99 cent store <Those from 99 cents arent doing good>
So I need any plants that look good outside..If they grow big/tall and/or spread quickly even better. I also need something that can handle shade. One area <under stairs>rarely gets any sunlight & anything Ive put there has just died..My green thumb isnt very green but so far Ive been able to keep most growing....

[Gram18]

Apap2 that is a great thing you`ve done. I know plants can get exspensive. Too bad some of the other tenants aren`t helping you out. If everyone would purchase a new plant for 99 cents just think of the lovelies you all would have!!

[PlantSwap]

Hi apap2, welcome to the forum.

So I need any plants that look good outside..If they grow big/tall and/or spread quickly even better.

Well, that narrows it down... lol. Honestly, I think you could plant just about anything that doesn't require cold weather. I think some ferns or Gingers would probably look nice with Elephant Ears and Sweet Potato Vine.

For the dark space, here's some ideas: shade tolerant plants

[txbeyer]

That web site has plants for more northern environments - requiring colder winters. For shady areas, try begonias, aspidistra (cast iron plant), and gingers (which require protection from hot afternoon sun) Pasadena is in Zone 9. It is a great place to garden. Part of the fun of gardening is to just try new things - the old trial and error approach, and see wihat does well. Try your local Master Gardener's organization. They might be able to assist you and your neighbors in getting some nice gardens going where you live.

[PlantSwap]

... cast iron plant ...

That's the one I was thinking of when I was typing my last post, but I couldn't remember the name, so I didn't mention it!

[apap2]

Unfortunatly I am basically on my own....Plants from the 99 cent store dont do too well..The few that have remain too tiny...Most folks here dont have the $ to help..neither do I but im atleast still trying...
Looks like things will stay that way till I can find a source for some free plants...

[txbeyer]

Try your local Master Gardener's organization. They might be able to assist you and your neighbors in getting some nice gardens going where you live.

Like I suggested before, have you tried this approach? I am a master gardener in Austin, TX, and this is the kind of thing they love to help with.