How to choose plants for landscaping

Landscaping is an art, and many people have embraced it to transform outdoor spaces into serene and visually appealing environments. An essential aspect of this art is the selection of the right plants.

You can find the process of choosing the right plants both exciting and daunting, but with a bit of guidance, it becomes an enjoyable journey. This comprehensive guide will look at the steps required to choose plants that suit your landscape, emphasizing the balance between aesthetics and functionality.

The need to understand your landscape

Before exploring the world of plants, you should take a moment to understand your landscape. Soils are not the same, and every patch of soil is unique; you should realize that recognizing its distinct characteristics is crucial.

The following are some essential factors to consider:

• Soil type: The type of soil in your garden has a profound impact on plant growth. While some plants thrive in loamy soil, others prefer sandy or clayey soils. When you understand your soil type, it will help you make informed plant selections.
• Sunlight: The different areas in your garden receive varying amounts of sunlight. There are those spots that are bathed in sunlight for most of the day, and there are the ones that remain shaded. It would be best if you assessed the sunlight patterns to choose plants that match the light conditions.
• Space: The size and layout of your landscape will directly influence your plant choices. You need to consider the available space when making plant selections, as this is required to prevent overcrowding or sparse areas.

Conducting a soil test is necessary to ascertain its composition and pH level. The data collected is invaluable for choosing plants that thrive in your specific soil type. For example, if your soil is predominantly clayey, you can go for plants like daylilies, hostas, and asters.

This is because these plants are known for their adaptability to such soil conditions. Regarding sunlight, certain areas of your garden may be in partial or complete shade due to the presence of trees, structures, or other factors.

Before you can make informed plant selections, it is necessary that you monitor the sunlight patterns throughout the day, noting which areas receive direct sun, partial sun, or are in constant shade. This information can be helpful when you want to choose the right plants that match these conditions, ensuring their health and longevity.

Defining your landscaping goals

The first step you will need to take in choosing the right plants is to define your landscaping goals. What exactly are you looking to achieve with your landscape? The following are some common objectives:

• Low-maintenance garden: If you want a garden that requires minimal upkeep, consider hardy, evergreen shrubs and ground cover plants. These plants can be aesthetically pleasing and easy to care for.
• Vibrant flower bed: For a burst of color, you can create a flower bed and fill it with annuals and perennials. These plants provide seasonal interest, which can be replaced anytime. Different landscape plants can also complement them throughout the year.
• Sustainable landscape: Sustainability is a growing trend in landscaping. You can create a sustainable garden by incorporating native plants and other environmentally friendly choices. These plants often thrive in their natural habitat and require fewer resources.

Giving a clear definition of your goals will help to guide your plant choices effectively. For a low-maintenance garden, you can have plants such as yarrow, lavender, or Russian sage. On the other hand, a vibrant flower bed can readily showcase a rotation of tulips, daffodils, peonies, and asters, all of which ensure an ever-changing landscape.

To create and have a sustainable garden, native plants like milkweed, goldenrod, and coneflowers make the perfect choices for inclusion because they attract local wildlife and require minimal intervention.

Selecting plants for your region

While it should be clear that your landscaping goals are essential, choosing plants that thrive in your region is equally important. Native plants, which are naturally occurring plants in your area, are often the best choice.

Here's why:

• Adaptation to climate: Native plants have evolved to thrive in your local environment. In a sense, they have become hardy and less susceptible to diseases. They may be considered the best landscape design elements for your region.
• Wildlife benefits: It is easier for native plants to attract local wildlife, like birds and butterflies. This provides a more dynamic and vibrant landscape.

Native plants vary from one region to another. So, it's essential to conduct thorough research on the type of species that are native to your specific area. You can get all the information from a local nursery or via a quick online search.

Doing this can provide you with a list of native plants suited to your region. Planting these species ensures the health of your landscape and contributes to the preservation of local ecosystems.

Balancing aesthetics and functionality

The heart of successful landscaping lies in striking a harmonious balance between aesthetics and functionality. Here are some tips to achieve this balance:

• Color, texture, and form: These are the holy trinity of landscaping aesthetics. Select plants with various colors, textures, and forms to create visual interest. Your thoughts should not be centered on flowers because foliage contributes to visual appeal.
• Grouping and layering plants: You don't have to scatter plants randomly; instead, you can group them strategically. Create focal points by grouping plants that have similar characteristics together. Layering different plant heights adds depth to your landscape.

As you attempt to create visual interest, think about how the colors and textures of your chosen plants will blend throughout the year. A good example here can be seen by pairing the vibrant red leaves of Japanese maples with the cool blue tones of Russian sage for a striking contrast. If you want to add depth and structure, plant shorter species like sedum instead of taller ones like ornamental grasses.

Plant size and growth rate

When choosing plants, always consider their size at maturity and growth rate. If you fail to do this, your landscape may have overcrowding or empty spaces. Here's what you need to know:

• Trees: Shade trees are valuable to any landscape. However, you should note that it can take years to reach their full height. Plant them strategically in a manner that will make them provide future shade without obstructing other features.
• Shrubs: Evergreen shrubs and deciduous shrubs have different growth habits. A deciduous shrub often grows faster and offers seasonal changes in appearance, while an evergreen shrub provides year-round greenery.
• Perennials and annuals: You will find perennials returning year after year, while annuals, on the other hand, need replanting. Use a mix of both to create a dynamic landscape with constant color and texture changes.

Selecting the right tree species can significantly impact your landscape's aesthetic and practical aspects. Consider planting large deciduous trees such as oak, maple, or beech if you want shade.

However, remember that these trees take several years to mature, so you must plan for their future growth. Regarding shrubs, evergreen shrubs like boxwood and juniper offer year-round greenery and can be pruned into various shapes to suit your landscape's design.

Maintenance needs of landscaping plants

Your willingness to give time and availability to maintain your landscape plays a significant role in plant selection. Here's how to choose plants based on maintenance:

• Low-maintenance: Choose plants that require minimal care, such as native species or slow-growing evergreens.
• High-maintenance: If you enjoy gardening and have the time, choose high-maintenance options like roses or water features.

Sustainability and environmental considerations

Sustainability should be an essential part of any modern landscaping plan. Sustainable practices include:

• Water conservation: Opt for drought-tolerant plants to reduce water consumption.
• Soil health: Implement practices like mulching, as these will help to improve soil health and limit the need for chemical fertilizers.
• Wildlife-friendly plants: Attract local wildlife by incorporating birdhouses, bird feeders, and native plants that provide food and shelter.

Seek professional landscaping help or advice

If you need clarification on certain aspects of your landscape, seeking advice from landscaping professionals or horticulturists is better. Their landscaping expertise can provide valuable insights into your landscape's best plant selections and arrangements.

Professional advice can be invaluable, especially for complex aspects of landscaping. If you plan to include a water feature like a pond or waterfall, consult a landscape designer who can assist you in choosing the right plants for a waterside environment.

In the same way, opting for intricate hardscaping projects involving walls, patios, or pergolas, a professional landscaper can come to your rescue. They can offer expert advice to ensure your plant choices seamlessly complement these features.