I have a garden plot that has crappy soil - dry, very acidic and is mostly shady, and when sun hits, it is very hot! Don't have issues with certain bugs/pests other than aphids, which are easy enough to control.

Cannot afford to put much $$ into buffing up soil this year and I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions as to the types of flowers/shrubs that have success in growing in this type of atmosphere.

I live in a prairie province, so hot and dry is always an issue.

I heard impatiens are a good one to grow in this clime. Hostas don't do well - probably too dry. I'd like to try azaleas, but I don't think our summer season is long enough.

Forget roses - I just got rid of some - they are way too finicky and are just too painful to work with (stupid thorns!)

I do have a lilac bush that does well, and a small ornamental cherry(?) tree. Oh, and an ornamental plum which can grow in anything, it seems.

Help?

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