Garden plants brighten your outdoor living space
There are a few things you need to think about before getting your hands dirty.
Knowing the soil type, sun exposure, and irrigation is the key to successful garden planting. Then you need to consider the size and type of garden plants, for maximum coverage and colour all year round.
Soil quality
Before you go to a garden centre to purchase your plants, consider your soil type. Sandy soil tends to drain quickly, clay soil drains water very slowly, and loam soil tends to regulate water absorption depending on the types of organic material found within the soil. Once you have identified the type of soil, you can find plants that will work best in your garden.
Sun exposure
Before choosing garden plants, determine the amount of sunlight your planting area receives. If the area gets a full 6 hours sunlight per day, then many roses and certain perennials such as coleus thrive in direct sunlight.
For areas that receive between 4 and 6 hours of sunlight per day, flowering shrubs such as rhododendron or annuals like chrysanthemums grow well in partial sunlight.
Partial shade areas are only exposed to 3 to 5 hours of sunlight per day, while full shade areas only get between 1 to 2 hours of sunlight per day. Hosta and begonias grow best in full to partial shade.
Watering and drainage
Consider installing irrigation if you choose garden plants that need moist soil. For plants that need drained soil, be sure to provide adequate drainage by either mixing in bulky organic matter, shaping the soil to create ditches or install drainage pipes.
Garden space and plant sizes
Consider the space in your garden and planting area. If the space is rather small, plants such as small flowering perennials may be a good choice. For larger areas, you have many options such as trees, bushes and shrubs that fill the largest of spaces, or simply more plants. It is important to leave enough room between plants so they are not overcrowded once they reach their mature size.
Perennials and annuals
Annuals typically live only one year. They are inexpensive and popular plants, often found in packages of 4 or 6 plants. They are a quick and easy way to add colour to any outdoor space and can have a longer blooming cycle if the flowers are removed as they fade. Common annuals include periwinkle, marigolds, petunias, and sweet peas. Annual garden plants grow best in rather rich soil with a minimum amount of fertilizer.
Perennial plants return each year, growing in size and maturity. After approximately 3 or 4 years, many perennials lose their vitality. Perennials can be divided in order to grow and produce new plants or can be grown from cuttings or seeds. Common perennials include carnations, delphinium, peony, and salvia. When planting perennials, remember that the plant will continue to grow in the same spot for many years. The soil must be rich enough and have proper water and drainage to sustain the plant for several years.
It’s usually best to plant a mix of perennials and annuals for flowering throughout the year.
