Making the Best Plant Choices for your
Garden
Many times we buy plants on impulse then find there is nowhere in the garden
that really suits them. Before buying plants carefully examine your garden to
see how much sun and shade it gets, whether the soil is well drained or
waterlogged and whether your location is sheltered or windswept. You'll then be
equipped to go and buy the best plants for your situation; shade-loving plants
for the sheltered areas, sun-lovers for the warm spots, drought-resistant plants
for the parched areas which may be either sunny or shaded, and swamp plants for
the poorly-drained parts.
But wait! Test your soil first, to determine the pH level of your soil and what
kind of nutrients you need to add, if any. Is the soil acid or alkaline? Most
plants prefer soil that is slightly acidic, but there are some that must have
alkaline soil to grow. You can alter the soil's pH level, but it's much easier
to simply plant for the soil you have.
Now you're 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.
Before planting, place your chosen plants around the garden bed in their pots to
see how they look. Re-arrange them until you are satisfied. Grouping plants in
sets of threes or fives usually looks better than planting in groups of even
numbers. Be sure you have an interesting combination of colors and
textures of plants. Tall plants should go to the back, or the center if your
garden will be viewed equally from all sides. Try to keep your plants away from
trees. The roots of trees are fiercely competitive and will steal all the
nutrients and moisture meant for your flowers.
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, grey 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.