Choosing the Best Plants 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 aspect 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,(phenyl), 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 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 organised, harmonious and you can vary the color
for interest.
Before planting out, place your chosen plants around the garden bed
in their pots to see how they will 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 that you have an interesting combination of colors and
textures of plants. Tall plants should go to the back, or the centre
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.