How to Choose Plants to Grow in a Garden

There really is no one answer as to what the best plants to grow in a garden are because flowers, and plant arrangement are very much like an art. How one weaves colors and textures into a tapestry or mosaic upon the canvas of a yard is probably different every time. However, from one gardener to another or one gardener to a potential gardener what can be of assistance are a few useful pointers to make sure what one plants will prosper and flourish. These pointers are as follows:

Climate:

One of the most important aspects of planting and/or sowing seeds is knowing what climate a plant can grow in. North America is divided into what agriculturalists know as hardiness zones. Many plants are produced and sold according to these hardiness zones however it is good to have a little knowledge about this beforehand so one can forecast how one's plants will do. A link to hardiness zones is provided with this article.

Location:

Where a plant is planted not only highlights that particular part of a yard but also affects the micro-climate in which it is growing. A micro-climate includes variations in temperature, water and soil that are specific to a particular area of a yard or location that don't necessarily fit into a hardiness zone category. For example, If one has an area of yard protected from wind by large trees on the North Side but that is also situated in a very sunny location with fertile soil these plants may prosper more than the same plants located in another part of the landscape. What's more, some plants require full sun while others prefer partial shade or all shade. Some great shade plants are Caladiums.

Appearance:

Color, texture, shape and size of a plant or flower can have a huge affect on the appearance of a yard. For example, Sunflowers grow quite tall and have large yellow to red flowers making it difficult to plant any other flowers amongst them. In other words where there are sunflowers, they will dominate that area because of their size and large flowers. Although some flowers dominate, smaller plants and flowers can be planted around rather than amongst these large plants to accent them. There are many, many possible arrangements of plants and flowers but it is generally a good idea to envision their appearance before they grow in order to plan the arrangement for its maximum effect.

Theme:

Themes can be tailored to one's hardiness zone but can also vary as some plants cross the hardiness zone boundaries. For example, if one lives in a non-desert climate, one can create a desert theme with rocks, succulents, and grasses despite being in a wetter more moderate climate. Examples of desert looking plants that can grow in a moderate climate are Yucca and Palmetto. Other themes for gardens include Savannah, wildflower garden, vegetable garden, English garden, and Japanese gardens. The choices of themes is quite diversified and can be integrated with a yard and landscape to form a miniature oasis upon which to meditate, dream and wonder or just enjoy.

Seasonality:

The blooming period of flowers can be short making much of the growing season uneventful or un-ideal to an aspiring gardener. This seasonality and blooming factor can be avoided with careful selection of plants and flowers that not only compliment each other in terms of appearance but also blooming times. A well selected garden will have flowers that bloom in every season and textures and shapes that provide interest potentially all year round. This is not easy to do and only the best gardens are equally inspiring during every season.

Choosing plants for a garden is a skill that can be developed as well as be inherent to the individuals sense of landscaping. A wonderful thing about gardens is their diversity and similarity to art as they are living creations of expression. The plants themselves give back by expressing themselves in their own unique ways. Keeping the most fundamental aspects of gardening in mind, one can know how to keep plants alive, where to place them and how to arrange them in ways that will provide a garden of beauty for everyone to enjoy including the birds, and the butterflies.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is not a guarantee of gardening success. The author assumes no liability or indemnification for any consequences caused by the following the advice contained herein. The user of said information does so at one's own discretion, judgment and risk