Choose the best plants for your garden

Choose the best plants for your garden

Many times we buy plants on impulse and then find that there really is no place for them in the garden. Before buying a plant, carefully inspect your garden to see how much sun and shade it receives, whether the soil is well-drained or soggy, and whether its appearance is shaded or windblown. Then you are ready to buy the plants that best suit your situation; shade-loving plants for sheltered areas, sun-loving plants for warm areas, shade-loving plants for dry areas and moist plants for poorly drained areas.

But wait! First, test the soil to determine its pH and what nutrients, if any, should be added. Is the soil acidic or alkaline? Most plants like slightly acidic soil, but some plants need alkaline soil to grow. You can change the pH of your soil, but it's much easier to plant according to your soil.
Now you are ready to plant. Well, almost. Do you want to plant in groups or individually? If you "buy one of each", your garden will look quite random. Group plants are neat and harmonious, and the colors can also be varied to create interest. Before planting, pot your chosen plants to see how they look. Rearrange them until you are satisfied. Dividing plants into groups of three or five often looks better than planting them in equal groups. Make sure you have an interesting combination of plant colors and textures. Tall plants should be placed at the back or in the middle if the garden is visible from all sides. Keep plants as far away from trees as possible. Roots are very competitive and will steal all the nutrients and water your flowers need.

The right color scheme is one way to maintain harmony in your garden. Imagine the color of the flower when it is in full bloom. Some colors may clash with others, but they can still be planted next to each other if they bloom at different times. The color of the leaves is also important. Many flowering plants have silver, gray or purple foliage that is just as attractive as the flowers. This means that they remain attractive beyond the flowering season and therefore have added value.