
Fall is an perfect time for planting and setting many kinds of plants, particularly deciduous trees and shrubs, perennial flowers and ornamental grasses. Purchasing plants when they’re available at a lower cost makes the season even better. Nurseries don’t wish to overwinter their stock, so they’re happy to reduce their stock and make their customers happy at the exact same moment.
It’s tempting to go mad making new plant purchases — particularly when you’re excited about all the plants on your own wish list — however just take a few minutes to review this record before adding any crops to your cart. Bear in mind, it’s just a”bargain” in case your buys integrate well into your backyard and lifestyle, and don’t wind up on the compost heap. Before buying, consider these questions.
Arterra Landscape Architects
1. Will the Plant Grow Where You Need to Plant It?
Is your backyard hot, dry and subject to every one of Mother Nature’s vagaries, or can it be a shady, cool and moist cocoon? Read the plant tag thoroughly to see if it’ll be compatible with your website. The info you will need to confirm comprises:
USDA hardiness zone, which gives the temperature range (based on a 10-year typical of highest low winter temperatures) for survival. Find your hardiness zone. This is a great place to begin, but it’s only a general guideline for a plant’s success in your town.
Exposure denotes the total amount of sunlight the plant needs to flourish. Full sun, partial sun and shade might be signaled. Exposure impacts plants’ foliage color, flower production and capability to survive. Be realistic in assessing the amount of sunlight that’ll be available to the plant you’re considering.
Moisture. The most drought-tolerant plants require regular watering while their roots develop, and a few plants should have a constantly moist or moist soil to survive. Do your website conditions match the needs of the plant you’re considering?
Blanford Design
Other significant considerations for plant compatibility might not be included on the tag. Find a salesperson who’s a seasoned gardener (that is when it pays to shop at your local independent garden center) and ask bout the plant:
Soil needs Humidity preferenceWind tolerance Heat tolerance Storm resilienceGrowth speed
Wagner Hodgson
As soon as you’ve determined that the plant you’re considering will really grow in which you wish to place it, it’s time to consider:
2. Is the Plant the Ideal Size for the Job?
In case you’re looking for a garden focal point or a display, a large shrub or an ornamental tree — crops 8 to 25 feet tall — will do the job. Exactly the same size will work in case you need a bit of shade or privacy for a little patio or ground-floor window.
B. Jane Gardens
However, if you’re searching for a great deal of colour, a ceiling for an outside space or possibly a windbreak, bigger is better. Deciduous shade trees or evergreens more than 30 feet tall must be your attention. The dimensions of smaller, decorative plants should be selected based on compatibility with adjacent plants and other characteristics in the landscape.
And, speaking of size, remember that crops grow! Select a plant that won’t outgrow its designated space once it’s mature. You will save maintenance time and expenses, and you’ll be able to keep the plant in its normal shape.
Debora carl landscape design
3. Does the Plant Suit Your Garden Style?
In case you’re attempting to make a fashionable backyard, concentrate your purchasing power on crops whose cosmetic attributes satisfy your needs. Colorful foliage and blossoms, unusual plant forms and textures can be mixed — with thoughtful thought — to make a specific look or at least to reflect your own personal taste. By way of example, a Mediterranean-style backyard with lots of fleshy succulents and sculptural forms applies a completely different plant palette compared to a gentle, floriferous cottage garden.
Moondrop Interiors
Or perhaps you’re attempting to develop a strong color story. The green-on-green planting with red accents shown this has a lush, tropical feel.
Zeterre Landscape Architecture
Provided that your plant buys match your own personal design criteria, you’re all set.
4. Will the Plant Suit Your Desired Maintenance?
Some crops just demand more attention. Staking, fertilizing, healing for pests and diseases, deadheading and shearing take time and resources. Select plants that are relatively care free if you would rather a hands-off approach.
Liquidscapes
5. Is the Plant Healthy?
A Charlie Brown tree or a tree with its own character might be ideal for your backyard, but after a long, hot summer at the nursery, crops can be a bit stressed.
Jocelyn H. Chilvers
Look for these signs of good health:
The foliage must feel and look plump and company. Avoid plants with wilted, yellowed or sunburned leaves.Examine that the entire plant for signs of insects or disease. (Reject these crops and deliver them to the attention of their staff for isolation and treatment or disposal.) The main ball of balled and burlapped trees must be whole and also firm.Remove smaller plants from their containers (ask the sales staff for help ) and analyze the main system. A well-established root system will maintain the dirt ball together. Healthy follicles will be firm and white. Roots that are black or brown, mushy or using a terrible odor are not healthy. Avoid plants that are root bound too; their overgrown root mass might have a challenging time adapting to and developing in your garden soil. Next: 5 Crucial Factors for a Landscape Design Project