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.

Hold back! Do a soil test to discover if you need to add any nutrients to the soil and what it\’s pH is. The majority of plants found in gardens thrive in a slightly acid soil, but others need an alkaline one. It is easier to find plants to suit your existing soil than to try and change it\’s pH.

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 organized, 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 center 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.

It is essential to have a good harmony of colors in the garden. Consider what the flowers will be like when they bloom in relation to the plant next door. There may be color clashes which can be avoided if blossoming is at a different time . When not in flower plants can have attractive foliage, perhaps silver, gray or purple, that can add value to the appearance of the bed.

Learn more about garden. Stop by hette LeBlanc\’s recommended site where you can find out all about harmony

categories: Bestplants,garden,choose plants,foliage