How to Choose the Best Plants for Your Garden

Posted by admin on December 3, 2008

Choosing the best plants for your garden is not easy. Finding the right places to buy plants, the right kinds of plants to buy, and the right plants to fit your needs can be a challenge. With these 10 tips from me, an expert gardener, you should be fast on your way to success.

1. Talk to your neighbors. Ask them what does well for them and what plants have not done well.
2. Look at other gardens in your neighborhood. Take photos of your favorite gardens and plants.
3. Go outside your neighborhood and take photos of plants you like.
4. Go to local garden centers. Sometimes the small garden center or plant nursery will have what you need while other times you may need to go to Lowes, Target, or Home Depot. Look for stores such as Home Depot or Lowes that warranty their plants, letting you return them with receipt if they don’t do well.
5. Look in books. Note plants you like.
6. Look at Websites such as this one, http://california-plants.com/.
7. Do trial and error in your plant growing. Don’t buy 10 of something before you know if you really like it or can grow it. Try growing 1-3 of anything before getting more.
8. Pay attention to the labels. Did you know that tree you got will be 40 feet tall one day? Although the print may be small on the labels, your patience in finding the right plant to fit your needs is important.
9. See where nurseries grow the plants. If they are saying it is a full sun plant but you see it growing fine for them in partial shade, it may be an option to ask about.
10. Last but not least, evolve your garden! You may find you liked certain plants last month but now you are in a mood for succulents. Create different areas for your garden and have fun with it!