How to Choose the best plants for your garden
Many times we buy plants on impulse and then find that 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 receives, if the soil is well drained or waterlogged, and if its appearance is sheltered or windswept. You are then equipped to go shopping for the best plants for your situation; Shade-loving plants for sheltered areas, sun-loving plants for warm places, drought-resistant plants for dry areas, which can be sunny or shady, and swamp plants for poorly drained parts.
But wait! First, test your soil to determine the pH level of your soil and what kinds of nutrients you need to add, if any. Is the soil acidic or alkaline? Most plants prefer slightly acidic soil, but there are some that must have alkaline soil to grow. You can alter the pH level of the soil, but it is much easier to just plant for the soil you have.
Now you are ready to plant. Well almost. Will you plant in groups or individually? If you buy "one of everything", your garden can appear quite patchy. Group plantings are organized, harmonious and you can vary the color according to your interest.
Before planting, place your chosen plants around the garden bed in their pots to see what they will look like. Reorganize them until you are satisfied. Grouping plants in groups of three or five generally looks better than planting in groups of even numbers. Make sure you have an interesting combination of plant colors and textures. Tall plants should go to the back or to the center if your garden will look the same from all sides. Try to keep your plants away from the trees. Tree roots are fiercely competitive and will steal all the nutrients and moisture intended for your flowers.
The correct color scheme is one way to maintain harmony in your garden. Imagine the color of the flowers when they are in bloom. Some colors may collide with each other, but they can still be planted side by side if they have a different blooming season. The color of the foliage is also important. Many flowering plants have silver, gray, or purplish foliage that is just as attractive as the flower. This means that they remain attractive well beyond the blooming season and therefore have added value.
