5 Tips for Choosing Your Summer Plants
Finally, it is time to get out in the garden and get our
hands dirty! I have been dreaming of
this all winter. So, with that being
said, what should we be looking for when choosing our summer bedding
plants. Here are a few tips to consider
when just starting out:
1. Time - If you
don't have a lot of time to look after your plants, be sure to select varieties
that are draught tolerant, for example.
When doing container planting choose soil that retains moisture and
helps cut down on the times you need to water.
2. Location,
location, location - Not just for real estate!
Be sure to know whether your location of choice for your plants is full
sun, some sun, some shade or full shade.
Knowing this will help you select plants that will thrive in the right
conditions. Be sure to read the plastic
insert that comes with the plants before making that purchase. (but please put the insert back with the
plant).
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| Not for container gardening. This Joe Pye Weed grows about 10' tall. |
3. Healthy Plants - Always be sure to check plants and
select those that are green, pest and disease free. They should have strong sturdy and
self-supporting stocks. If you see
plants that have a significant amount of yellowing leaves and/or have leaves
that have been obviously munched on, move on. Some yellowing of the lower
leaves could just mean inadequate watering. Of course, if the flowers are spent
and the plant itself is fine, simply deadhead.
That plant is fine.
4. Colour - While not as significant as our first three, you
definitely want to think about your colour scheme. Yes, you need to have a scheme. While variety is nice, too much colour without
a focus will result in the eye being confused.
You know the saying...too much of a good thing...Instead pick one or
maybe two colours to focus on. For
example, my colour this year is red. My
front hanging baskets, pots at the front door and my window boxes are made up
of red geraniums and a variegated trailing plant. Simple yes, but they will be stunning once
established. The volume of red will be gorgeous. For my back yard, I will add one more
colour. In a bigger space with much more
competition amongst trees and shrubs, I can add another element.
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| My freshly planted front boxes. |
5. Don't buy on your
first visit - Despite being super excited to get out in the garden, I have
already been to three different nurseries three times each. The first time at each I did not make a
purchase. I wanted to get a feel for what each had and what colours were really
calling to me. Not all nurseries will
have the same exact colours. I also
wanted to get what really excites me.
Buying on your first visit might result in you spending more in the long
run. Take your time and find what is
right for you.
Naturally there are more ideas when buying bedding plants,
but these are a few good ones to get you started. Any you would add?
