Friday, March 29

How to Choose Plants in your Landscape Design

Undertaking any new landscaping project takes time to prepare. From placement and selection of plants & shrubs to design elements that will incorporate well with your home or commercial workplace. Getting it right from step 1 will alleviate many pitfalls that you will encounter otherwise. Finding that small shrub you planted near the home has grown to become larger than your home in less than a year! A skilled landscaper will know what plants will work with your home or workplace. Landscapers can tell from your drainage and soil what will work well for that area. Is it shady? Is it clay soil? Or is it direct sunlight? There are so many factors that contribute to planting of a new or existing garden that need to be considered.

Hybrid Varieties

Some of the popular trees and shrubs that you grew up with are still very common today, but they have been modified to be more drought tolerant and even dwarf varieties have been created. During  plant selection, you have room for some minor errors. But if you situate a large tree in a spot where it does not belong, it can cause grave headaches down the road.

Pollen & Allergies

Shrubs and even trees can release pollen and stir up allergies in some. It’s always important to consider this if you suffer from allergies! Let your landscaper know this before they prepare the planting schedule. It will save you a lifetime of allergy suffering.

Hardy Native Plants

Using native plants in your garden design will mean that they will require less care and maintenance. A great way to save on water and after care of your plants. If you live in a county that is home to botanical garden you can get an idea of the native flora that reside in your area. An online search is also another great way of finding indigenous plants for your location.

Remember, finding plants that you love versus plants that will thrive in your area will not be easy. So many customers love Camelia’s and Magnolia’s but from experience they are both very selective in their environments and getting them to grow can be cumbersome at times.

The possibilities are virtually endless when it comes to enhancing your landscape garden! Make a list of your favourite plant varieties and flowers you enjoy, then add plants gradually over time as you get a feel for your outdoor area. Taking walks around your neighbourhood is a good way to find inspiration and this always works wonders for myself.