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Choosing
the Best Plants for your Garden
Many times we buy plants on impulse then find 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 gets, whether the soil is
well drained or waterlogged and whether your aspect is sheltered or
windswept. You'll then be equipped to go and buy the best plants for
your situation; shade-loving plants for the sheltered areas, sun-lovers
for the warm spots, drought-resistant plants for the parched areas
which may be either sunny or shaded, and swamp plants for the
poorly-drained parts.
But wait! Test your soil first, to determine the pH level of your soil
and what kind of nutrients you need to add, if any. Is the soil acid or
alkaline? Most plants prefer soil that is slightly acidic, but there
are some that must have alkaline soil to grow. You can alter the
soil's pH level, but it's much easier to simply plant for the soil you
have.
Now you are ready to plant. Well - almost. Will you plant in groups or
singly? If you buy 'one of everything' your garden may seem rather
spotty. Group plantings are organised, harmonious and you can vary the
color for interest.
Before planting out, place your chosen plants around the garden bed in
their pots to see how they will look. Re-arrange them until you are
satisfied. Grouping plants in sets of threes or fives usually looks
better than planting in groups of even numbers. Be sure that you have
an interesting combination of colors and textures of plants. Tall
plants should go to the back, or the centre if your garden will be
viewed equally from all sides. Try to keep your plants away from trees.
The roots of trees are fiercely competitive and will steal all the
nutrients and moisture meant for your flowers.
The right color scheme is one way to maintain the harmony in your
garden. Imagine the color of the flowers when they are in bloom. Some
colors may clash with others, but can still be planted side-by-side if
they have a different blooming season. Foliage color is also important.
Many flower plants have silver, grey or purplish foliage that is just
as attractive as the flower. This means that they are still attractive
well past the blooming season and so have added value.
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