Choosing plants that are right for your landscape can often feel complicated and overwhelming for many homeowners. From deciding which plants to choose for your outdoor space, to finding the right placement for them, there are several factors that you should consider when making these decisions. Read on to learn more about how to select plants for your space and ensure your yard and garden look gorgeous and thrive all year round.
Consider the Environment – The first thing you need to consider when making your plant selection for your outdoor space is the environment in which they will be planted. Choose plants that thrive in your climate, which in many cases is as simple as selecting native plants.
Choose Healthy Plants – If you find yourself looking at plants in a garden center or nursery, make sure you choose plants that are visibly healthy and free from any diseases or defects. Inspect every plant thoroughly before purchasing to ensure you are buying the healthiest and hardiest plants possible.
Look for all of the following when choosing your plants:
- Brown spots or discolouration on the leaves
- Soft spots in the bark or stems
- Splits along the stems and/or branches
- Tall plants or bushes with sparse foliage/bare branches
- Curling or drooping leaves
Above all, look for plants that are perky in their appearance, as that is typically a sign of a healthy plant!
Consider the Size – When selecting plants for your outdoor space, it is important to consider the size of the plant when you purchase it, as well as an estimation of the eventual size of each plant. Any plant you purchase will eventually become a larger plant, so it is important to plant them in a place that will allow them ample space to grow.
Consider Sun and Shade Requirements – Some plants require full sun in order to thrive, whereas others may only require partial sun or indirect sunlight, and some plants will only thrive in shady areas. Different plants have different needs when it comes to sunlight and shade. So consider how much sunlight your yard or garden receives, and choose plants based on those conditions.
Consider Your Soil – Not all soils are created equal, and some garden beds contain soil that is highly acidic, alkaline, has an amount of large clay, etc. As with the sun, certain plants have specific needs when it comes to the type of soil they are planted in. Checking your soil’s pH levels is easily done through a simple soil analysis. Once you know what kind of soil you are dealing with, you can choose the appropriate plants or add supplements and nutrients to balance the soil’s pH.
Consider Native Plants – As mentioned above, choosing plants that are native to your area is one of the simplest and most effective ways of ensuring that your plants thrive all year round. Native and climate-specific plants often produce greenery even in the colder months and typically don’t require a lot of maintenance. They also provide sources of food and shelter for local wildlife and pollinators.
Mix it Up – When selecting plants for your landscape, try and choose plants that offer some variety in terms of height, size, colour, shape, texture, and foliage. By selecting a variety of plants that are different but complementary, you’ll create a visually interesting and aesthetically pleasing landscape design.
Ensure Compatibility – It is important to ensure that the plants you select will be good neighbours. Unfortunately, not all plants grow well and thrive together, and the wrong combination can mean that their growth is stunted, or the neighbouring plants are invaded and overtaken.
Consider Upkeep – If you are looking to create a low-maintenance landscape, it is important that you select plants that require minimal care. Consider how much time you want to spend maintaining your yard and gardens, and choose your plants accordingly.
Call in the Professionals – Ultimately, the best way to ensure you have chosen the best plants for your outdoor space is to leave it to the professionals. At Mountview Services, we bring ample knowledge and experience to the table, making us optimally suited to help you make these decisions. Contact Mountview Services today for great gardening advice or a quote on your next landscaping project.