Choosing The Best Plants For Your Garden

Posted by | Posted on 12:39 AM

By Hette LeBlanc

Often we have a sudden inclination to purchase a plant and later discover there is not a suitable site to place them in the garden. Ideally first look at your garden to see how much sun and shade there is and if the soil is dry or wet, and how much wind exposure there is. Then you will know which are the most appropriate plants for each spot ; shade-loving ones for shadowy areas, sun lovers for hot spots, drought-resistant plants for hot and dry areas which may be either sunny or shaded, and bog plants for badly-drained parts.

Hold on! A soil test can be a good idea to inform you what the pH is and if you should add specific nutrients. Most garden plants like a slightly acid ground, but some prefer alkaline soil. What is the reading for your soil ? While it is possible to change the pH of the ground it is far simpler to choose plants that will like the soil you have already.

Now you are ready to plant. Well - almost. Will you plant in groups or singly? If you buy 'one of everything' your garden may seem rather spotty. Group plantings are organized, harmonious and you can vary the color for interest.

Put your chosen plants in their pots in your planned places in the beds to see how they look. you can change the positions if they do not look right. Often uneven numbers of plants will look better than even numbers . Textures and colors should look interesting before a decision is made . Be aware of the final height of plants and where they are to be viewed from. Tall plants should not obscure short plants. Keep a distance from any trees as the roots can steal moisture and food from your plants.

The right color scheme is one way to maintain the harmony in your garden. Imagine the color of the flowers when they are in bloom. Some colors may clash with others, but can still be planted side-by-side if they have a different blooming season. Foliage color is also important. Many flower plants have silver, gray or purplish foliage that is just as attractive as the flower. This means that they are still attractive well past the blooming season and so have added value.

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