Judy, we've been getting a lot of questions pertaining to flower boxes and so-called container gardens. Container gardens are great for beginners and those who are looking for something easy. But inevitably, toward mid summer, the 'stalk' part of my basil and rosemary plants gets brown and brittle and the plants stop producing. The soil should never dry out. Also, pinch the tips of the stems weekly to encourage new growth.
Caladiums are excllent in warm-summer locations.
I get overwhelmed with the choices, instructions. And realize that this is probably not going to be possible without 6 hours of sun, which few apartments have. I checked, and it looks like it might be just leaf damage. Sorry, I don't know what a couch lawn is. That makes all the difference in lawn care.