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Plant Selection This page will get you going on the how's, what's, and why's for plant selection. This page also includes a direct link to the Ohio State University plant facts website. |
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Introduction |
Plant selection can be one of the fun parts of doing your own landscape. This will allow you to tell all of your visitors all about your plants. This process can be a real headache at the same time. So to get you on your way here are some questions to ask yourself and some tips on where to go for some answers. |
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Before you buy the
plants. |
Figure out how much you want to spend? (if your plans are big and your budget isn't you may want to buy smaller plants to save money) What certain plants do have to have in your landscape? (research these first, you may find something better) How much room do you have to work with? How big will each of the plants get? (Many people want an instant landscape, this is bad. Let the landscape grow into it's self before you cram lots of plants into a small area.) What colors do want throughout the year, and when do you want them? Where do you get the most sun? Where can plants be protected from the wind? Do you need to amend your soil any? Do you have good drainage? For some other questions go to the choosing a landscaper section. |
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Where to find the answers. (These are just some places and ideas for you.) |
The Ohio State University Plant Facts web site. (Link at the bottom of this section.) Michael Dirr, Woody Plant Manual and Steve Still, Herbaceous plant Manual. (both excellent sources of information.) Ask your local nursery or garden center manager. Drive around town and look at other homes for ideas to incorporate into yours. List technical questions so that you don't for get them later. Begin planning in the winter so your selection of plants is better in the spring. Hire a landscape designer or horticultural expert. (They should only charge you if they give information on paper or better yet give you an actual design.) |
