The Proper Plants for the Landscape

Landscaping Options

Landscaping brings nature closer to home. It includes many elements: the area, design, weather and others. The over all look depends on the owner’s taste. Some want the effect of water (pools, waterfalls, etc.) and some like rocks, stones, etc.

To create a very natural feel, you must use plants. They are most helpful in creating the total effect of the landscape. It should not be just any plant; it should be the most appropriate plant for the area and climate.

Best Choice of Plants for the Landscape

1. Groundcovers
These plants are indispensable to a landscape as they can serve as backdrops for trees, shrubs, etc. There are many types of groundcovers to choose from.

Sun-Loving
Sunny areas are considered problematic. Many plants do not like direct sunlight. Juniper groundcovers and hardy perennials are very helpful in resolving this problem.

Shade
These plants cannot stand the heat of direct sunlight. They should be used in areas that are not exposed to the sun except for short periods of time. Most of the shade-loving plants are low-growing or mid-sized.

“Attractive”
Many flowering plants attract birds, butterflies, bees, etc. It is important to choose plants that grow pollens. Plants like bee balm, holly hock and red columbine attract hummingbirds.

Aroma
The garden can be made aromatic by using foliage plants.  The lavender perennial plant’s flowers provide therapeutic scent. At the same time, it serves as a beautiful border.

2. Wet Plants
Some landscapes come with wet areas like artificial ponds or waterfalls. To avoid leaving it bare, plants that thrive in wet soils are used to give beauty and natural effect.

3. Repellent Plants
More than coming up with a good landscape, it is also necessary to maintain it and keep it free from intruders. Some plants are able to repel pests like the deer. Some ornamental grasses and flowers are used for deer control.

4. Grasses
These are also helpful in the garden. There are varying kinds of grasses, the ornamental type and the functional ones.

Functional grasses are those that are used in the background. Lawn grass is an example.  It serves as an outdoor carpet.

Ornamental grasses appeal more to aesthetics. They are used for decoration and for landscaping just like flowers. These can be mixed with trees and shrubs or can stand alone.

Plants are beautiful, but the appropriate ones in a certain design must be selected and properly situated.  They must thrive and be able to serve their purpose. This is the only key to bringing nature closer to the home.

What should be considered in choosing plants for landscaping?

1. The color, size and texture of the plants should be given consideration as these characteristics will give life to the landscaping project.  A landscape artist must choose plants depending on the kind of garden being designed.  If it is a small space, then appropriate plants should be chosen.  The purpose of the landscaping should also be considered in the choice of plants

2. Identify the characteristics of plants that will be used for the project.  An important factor is the size or the height the plant will reach upon its maturity.  The weather and climate needs of the plant should also be considered, as well as the type of soil where the plant will grow best.

3. Choose plants that are not attractive to pests.  There are plants that are pest resistant, and if they fit the landscaping project, then they would be an ideal selection.

4. Estimate the place that the plant will occupy when it is fully grown.  There are plants that grow horizontally and failure to take this into consideration may pose a problem later.

5. Make sure that the plants you choose for the project have good color combinations.  Choose from colors that will either complement or contrast with each other.  A striking color scheme can make or ruin a landscaping project.

 Whatever the design or theme of your landscaping project is, make sure that you choose plants that are easy to take care of, efficient, and which have high chances of survival.