How to select the right plant every time
Wrong:
Buy a pretty plant at Home Depot's garden center then plant it where you want it to grow
One of Master Gardener's "big secrets" to landscape success is proper plant selection. The key to successful plant selection is the landscape condition
Is this an East/West/North/South or combination exposure?
Is it a protected area or subject to heavy winds, salt spray, children, dogs, etc.
Is the planting area shady or sunny? How shady? How sunny?
How does the shade/sun variable change with the seasons?
Is the planting area wet, dry or medium moisture?
What are the current soil conditions?
Does the home owner go away often so direct care is intermittent?
Can/will the home owners participate in the landscape's care or must the selection be low/no maintenance?
Are the sprinklers satisfactory now and will the irrigation system continue to be adequate as the plant matures?
Are the neighbors' plants or trees in any way a factor now or in the future?
Are there anticipated home improvements such as roof repairs or driveways or new additions that need to be considered?
Is the planting area near the home's swimming pool or fish pond where falling leaves and/or seeds need to be considered?
Are there allergies to be considered?
Are there children or dogs so that poisonous or dangerous (e.g. thorns) plants should be rejected?
Is privacy an issue?
What specific plants, trees and palms are in the landscape now?
Do both the husband and the wife agree on what new "look" they want?
Once all 17 questions have been answered,
plant selection can begin
For each location where plants are to be added, the conditions above are primary. Plants that fit the condtions, spot-by-spot, are listed. From that list, a landscape plan can be designed
We know tropical plants very well so most often Master Gardener will come up with quite a list of plants which exactly match the conditions in each planting situation. Plants which match conditions will grow happily and be healthy and beautiful. Plants which do not match conditions will grow poorly or die. That's a waste for everyone
Prior to landscape design and planting, we will "interview" our customers as well as take a thorough survey of all planting conditions. Then, based on these conditions, home owner preferences, budget, etc. Master Gardener will propose a landscape plan which meets your needs
