Choosing the Best Plants for your Garden
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 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.
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