A lot of times we buy plants on impulse then find out there is nowhere in the garden that actually suits them. Before buying plants cautiously analyze your garden to find out how much sun and shade it gets, whether the ground is well drained or soggy and whether your aspect is sheltered or windswept. You will then be weaponed to go and buy the best plants for your situation; shade-loving plants for the sheltered areas, sun-lovers for the warm spots, drought-resistant plants for the parched areas which may be either sunny or shaded, and swamp plants for the poorly-drained parts.
But wait! Test your ground first, to find out the pH level of your soil and what kind of nutrients you need to add, if any. Is the soil acid or alkalic? Most plants favor soil that is somewhat acidic, but there are a few that must have alkaline soil to grow. You will be able to modify the soil's pH level, but it's a lot easier to just plant for the soil you have.
Now you are ready to plant. Well - nearly. Will you plant in groups or separately? If you buy 'one of everything' your garden may appear kind of uneven. Group plantings are formed, symmetrical and you will be able to change the color for interest.
Before planting out, put your selected plants around the garden bed in their pots to find out how they will appear. Re-arrange them until you are satisfied. Grouping plants in sets of threes or fives normally appears best than planting in groups of even numbers. Make certain that you have an interesting combination of colors and textures of plants. Tall plants should go to the back, or the centre if your garden will be looked at equally from all sides. Try to keep your plants away from trees. The roots of trees are fiercely competitive and will steal all the nutrients and moisture meant for your flowers.
The proper color scheme is one method to keep the harmony in your garden. Imagine the color of the flowers once they are in blossom. Some colors may clash with others, but can nevertheless be planted side-by-side if they have another blossoming season. Leafage color is also important. Many flower plants have silver, grey or purple leafage that is just as attractive as the flower. This means that they are still attractive well past the blossoming season and so have added value.
