How to Choose the Best Plants for your Garden

Many times we buy plants on impulse and then we find that there is no place 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 soaked and if its appearance is sheltered or swept by the wind. Then you will be equipped to go and buy the best plants for your situation; shade-loving plants for protected areas, sun lovers for warm places, drought-resistant plants for dry areas that can be sunny or shaded, and swamp plants for parts with little drainage.

But wait! First, test your soil to determine the pH level of your soil and what kind of nutrients you need to add, if applicable. Is the soil acidic or alkaline? Most plants prefer a soil that is slightly acidic, but there are some that should have an alkaline soil to grow. It can alter the pH level of the soil, but it is much easier to simply plant for the soil that it has.

Now you are ready to plant. Well almost. Will you plant as a group or individually? If you buy 'one of everything', your garden may seem quite irregular. The group plantings are organized, they are harmonious and the color can vary according to the interest.

Before planting, place the chosen plants around the garden bed in their pots to see how they will look. Re-organize them until you are satisfied. Grouping the plants into groups of three or five usually 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 back or to the center if your garden will look the same from all sides. Try to keep your plants away from the trees. The roots of the trees are fiercely competitive and they will steal all the nutrients and moisture for your flowers.

The correct color scheme is a way to maintain harmony in your garden. Imagine the color of the flowers when they are in flower. Some colors may collide with others, but they can still be planted side by side if they have a different flowering season. The color of the foliage is also important. Many flowering plants have a silvery, gray or purple foliage that is as attractive as the flower. This means that they are still attractive beyond the flowering season and, therefore, have added value.