Gardening – Choosing the Right Plants

 

Our homes’ exteriors are just as important as our living spaces within. As time goes by, we may want to revamp not only our backyards, but also the fronts of our homes as well. Not only will the new aesthetics of your home please you and your neighbours, the added curb appeal will increase the value of your home, making your landscaping efforts an excellent investment in your property.

Selecting the right mix of plants is key to any successful outdoor transformation. Look to your local garden centres for professional advice when it comes to choosing the right plants for your situation. It’s important to have a plan and a design in mind, but you must go a step further before you start to dig. Do some research and understand the lay of your land to ensure that all of your plantings are a success.

Planting Conditions

• Ascertain the type of soil, drainage, sun and exposure of your planting area and choose your plants accordingly. Make it easy on yourself – sketch out a map of the area, indicating the various conditions, before you start shopping for new plants.
• Enlist the help of local gardening professionals – what works in your neighbour’s yard across the street, may struggle on your property. Different wind patterns, amount of shade, etc. will all come into play, especially with more delicate and temperamental trees, plants and shrubs.

Trees and Shrubs

• These are the backbone of any landscaping plan. Ideally, they should be your starting point, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t add something new or even remove an existing shrub or tree. Use a combination of deciduous and evergreen plantings for year-round structure and interest. There’s a huge range in colour, shape, size and growing style in the many varieties of evergreens available.
• Blossoms and Blooms aren’t exclusive to flowers. Magnolias, lilacs, and the many fruit bearing trees grow well in our area (southwest Ontario) providing an abundance of choice for any part of your yard.

Perennials and Annuals

• Use a mix of both for blooming interest, making sure that you pair plants with similar growing requirements.

Have Fun!

Sandy King

www.sandyking.ca

 

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