Gardens can be made unique and distinct, just like any other type of space. You may have found your ideal garden in a magazine, TV show or website and want to recreate it.
There are several factors that can alter the way your garden looks and feels, such as your choice of plants to include in the space. However, merely going to a shop to buy random seeds and gardening supplies is not recommended. If you do so, you may end up with plants that die quickly because of incorrect care or common garden pests.
Here are a few tips to help you decide which are the best plants and flowers to feature in your garden.
Determine the garden’s location
If you are planning to create a new garden, you must decide first where you want to put it. Take a tour around the planned area to see which sections are directly hit by sunlight and at what time.
Now, create a scale drawing of your planned garden. This may sound tedious and excessive, but the sketch will give you a more accurate idea of the amount of space you can devote to your garden and what you can put in it. The sketch will let you know what plants, pots and garden furniture you can have and where you can put them. If you are hiring a gardener, the sketch will help explain what you want to do or accomplish.
To create a sketch, all you need is a piece of paper, a pen or pencil, a ruler and measuring tape. If you wish to create an accurate drawing, you may also need to use a scale ruler.
Know your soil
The type of soil you have can affect your choice of plants to plants in your garden.
There are two important aspects of the soil that you need to determine.
- One is its pH level. You can work this out by getting a pH test soil kit. This can be readily found in garden shops and centers. If you are unable to purchase a test kit, you can determine the acidity of your soil by identifying and analysing the existing plants in your garden. For instance, seeing camellias will indicate that your soil’s pH levels are along the range of neutral to acidic.
- The soil’s propertiesshould also be considered. Hold a bit of the soil in your hand. Loose soil that crumbles easily or does not hold together well indicates that you have sandy soil. If it clumps together, it could be clay. By knowing more about the soil in your potential garden, you will feel more confident in choosing the right plants to install in the garden.
Consider the weather
The climate and temperature in your area can also dictate which plants can survive and thrive in your garden. For instance, some plants are better suited for the cold winter months while others bloom during the summer. Knowing how plants react to extreme weather changes can also give you an idea of what your garden will look like when the seasons change.
With this information, you can figure out which plants will help make your garden look enchanting all year round.
Determine the plant’s maintenance levels
Plants have varying maintenance levels. There are plants that require little maintenance while others need constant attention from gardeners. If you are aspiring to create your dream garden, you need to consider how much time and effort you can devote to the activity.
For instance, if you have a hectic work schedule, avoid planting dahlias or chrysanthemums as these require a high level of attention. Go for topiaries instead; these types of plants can help add focal points in your garden and make it more visually pleasing without requiring a lot of maintenance.
By taking note of these four tips, you can be more confident in creating your dream garden. Knowing more about the space can help you find the most suitable plants for your unique situation and needs. If in doubt, contact a professional gardener. These garden experts can provide you with more tips and advice on what plants you can have in your garden.