Picking Landscaping Plants
It is a good idea to plan your garden ahead of planting time. It may be helpful to make a sketch of your garden area indicating what types of plants you want as well as where they will be planted.
How to choose the best plants for your garden:
- Choose plants that have a desirable flower color and foliage.
- Know the potential size of the plant in order to fit proportionally within the garden.
- Select plants that bloom throughout the growing season.
- Determine the amount of sunlight in the garden area and select plants that will thrive with that amount of light.
- Select plants that will grow well in the soil condition of the garden area.
- Look for healthy plants that appear vigorous.
- Choose plants that have similar water requirements.
- Avoid rootbound plants. These plants will appear to be very tightly crammed in the pot and the roots may be coming out of the bottom of the container.
- Avoid plants that have insects or disease. Firmly press your finger on the surface of the soil – if small bugs fly out, do not select the plant.
- Keep in mind that some flower colors may not compliment other flower colors.
- Flowers of red, pink, blue, and purple are “cool” colors and will soften a garden. Flowers of orange and yellow are “hot” colors and will brighten a garden.