That first trip to the garden center in spring can leave shoppers overwhelmed or filling their carts with plants they just can’t resist. Many people purchase more plants than they have garden space for or select beautiful specimens not suited to their growing conditions or garden design. Starting with a plan before shopping can help ensure the purchase of the right number of plants and those most suitable for a backyard landscape.
Photo credit MelindaMyers.com
Start the planning process by reviewing notes and pictures of last year’s garden. Take a walk around the yard and look for opportunities to add new plants, replace those struggling or create new gardens where needed. Make notes on the growing conditions such as sunlight, soil, wind and access to water. This information will help guide the selection of the best plants for the growing conditions.
Next, decide on the features and functions the plants can offer. Consider plants that provide multiple seasons of beauty with flowers, attractive foliage, seedheads and fruit, fall color and attractive bark and form. Include some pollinator- and songbird-friendly plants. Not only does this support these important members of the community, but it also adds color and motion to the landscape.
Use color and texture strategically. Warm colors of red, orange and yellow add energy and warmth to a location and make large areas feel smaller. Cool colors of green, blue and purple are calming and cooling, making small spaces feel larger. Repeat colors from one plant to another or from hardscape or garden art. This is called color echoing, which creates unity and balance in the design.
Add the feeling of depth to a space by using fine-textured plants with narrow leaves and small flowers in the background. Combine fine- and bold-textured plants, like sedges or Japanese forest grass, with hostas to create a focal point and interest in the garden.
Use shrubs, vines on trellises, tall grasses and other plants to screen unwanted views and create privacy. Include hanging baskets and containers filled with flowers and edible plants to boost the beauty and enjoyment of balconies, patios and decks.
Include native plants when suitable to the growing conditions that will fit the available space once the plants mature. These plants support pollinators and songbirds and help manage and remove pollutants from stormwater.
As the list narrows, make sure the plants selected are hardy for the appropriate zone and not invasive in the area. Time is saved by avoiding invasive plants that can take over a landscape and escape into nearby natural spaces. Local departments of natural resources or university extension services will have lists of plants that should not be added to a landscape.
Check plant descriptions in catalogs and on plant tags for specific information about the plants being considered. Most will list hardiness, preferred growing conditions, mature sizes and other features. Look for disease-resistant plants and those less likely to be affected by insects and disease to help minimize maintenance and boost success.
Avoid aggressive plants, often described as fast spreading, that reseed readily. These can quickly crowd out more timid nearby plants, requiring time and effort to keep them contained.
Consult with family and friends that have admired gardens. Most gardeners are happy to share ideas and tips to help others with their gardening endeavors.
Capture ideas by sketching out the plan. It doesn’t need to be fancy, just circles on a scale drawing of the garden bed. For those that are more visual, try gathering pictures of preferred plants and laying them out to replicate the design or create a collage to help with planning.
Take lists, pictures and ideas to the garden center. Spend some time looking for preferred plants, talking to staff and adjusting the plan if needed. Just focus on the best plants for the growing conditions, available space and design goals.
Relax and enjoy the process. Keep in mind gardens are always evolving and the best-laid plans don’t always mature into the original vision, but plants can be divided and moved. Adjustments can be made as needed, often resulting in something even better than what was originally planned.
Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including The Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition, and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses’ How to Grow Anything instant video series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV and radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine. For more information, visit MelindaMyers.com.
