Choosing 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. Then you’ll be ready to go and buy the best plants that suits you; shade loving plans, sun-lovers for warm spots, drought-resistant plants for parched areas that could either be sunny or shaded.
But hold on! Make sure to first test your soil in order to determine the pH level of your soil and if any, what kind of nutrients you need. 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 could change the soil’s pH level, but its easier to plant for the soil you have.
At this moment, 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 harmonious, organised and for interest, the colors can vary.
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. For a better look, group the plants in sets of fives or threes and not in groups of even numbers. Be sure that you have an interesting combination of colors and textures of plants. If you have tall plants, they should go towards the back or center for equal views 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 signifies that they’re still in good standing well past the blooming season and therefore have value.
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