There’s a number of things to keep in mind when choosing plants however, three of the top things to consider are;
1. Maintenance
2. Property, area and seasonal factors
3. Blend-ability
Maintenance
Most people love a garden but don’t like the upkeep that comes with it. This is why it’s best to pay attention to the maintenance your plants require before choosing them.
For example, if you’re a busy professional that already has the bulk of their time taken up with a career, family and social commitments, a low maintenance garden may be your best bet.
However, if you’re a retired home body that loves to garden, you may consider investing in a garden that requires more time and effort.
Regardless of your situation, any garden can be beautifully designed and created to suit you and your particular needs.
When purchasing plants, the bulk of them have labels attached to them which will give you an indication of the plants requirements for optimal performance and health.
If you only pay attention to one thing when purchasing plants, it should be this.
The label will generally set out things like type of plant, sun requirements, sizing, blooming, soil requirements and water tolerance.
These guides will help to determine the plants suitability for both you and your garden.
Tip – Before choosing and buying a plant or tree, do some of your own research and ask a specialist or horticulturalist about its root system.
Let them know what your intentions are and where on your property that you intend to plant it. If it has a vicious or destructive root system, ask if there’s any alternatives that don’t. Roots can do a lot of damage to properties, pipes and cables.
This is why it’s best to know about what you’re planting before you plant it.
Property, area and seasonal factors
Firstly, where possible, choose and select plants that are evergreen.
Wouldn’t you prefer your garden to be looking lush, green and healthy year round and not just seasonally?
There are some exceptions to the rule, but not many.
So if you do decide to use a plant that is seasonal, try to make it a non-obvious feature plant, something that sits in a corner and isn’t overly noticeable when it’s not in bloom.
Although, you still might hear “I think your tree is dead” when having people around.
Secondly, consider the sunlight and overall conditions of your property’s location for optimal results.
Before purchasing any plants at a nursery or online, it’s best to consult with a specialist or horticulturalist for things that labels and some general information may not be able to provide you for your own particular requirements.
For example some plants aren’t as adaptable to the extremes of weather seasons or the salty air of properties close to water.
Remember, each plant is a living, breathing organism that requires its own specific type of care and attention for optimal performance so it’s best to set your garden up in a way where all plants require the same, or similar care and attention.
Try to choose plants that are evergreen and adaptable.
Tip – Struggling to find plants that will work for you and your property? Go have a look in local parks and council maintained gardens in your area for ideas.
The majority of those plants and trees have more than likely been chosen strategically to maximise the look, minimise the maintenance and designed in a way so they will all blend in together and complement each other.
Speaking of blending.
Blend-ability
Consider this.
You’ve just freshly painted the front of your house and have planted a brand new garden.
Looks good right?
No, it looks great!
Excellent!
Let’s fast forward a number of years where you’ve decided against moving for now and are going to stay for a little while longer.
The paint on the inside needs a refresher. No problem.
But the colours on the front of your house have faded just a little and aren’t as vibrant as they were when you last painted them.
You don’t want to paint them the same colour again, you want to do something different as there’s a new colour trend, or those colours that appealed to you at the time don’t really suit you or the property anymore.
It’s easy to change the paint on the front of your house, but consider the time involved in plants establishing, shaping and settling themselves into place.
That takes time and effort.
The styles, types and colours of paint are limitless.
However the bulk of gardens tend to be green with colours in between.
If you choose plants wisely, they’ll easily blend in with whatever colour of paint you decide to use.
By choosing a theme and coordinating plants in colours and patterns will help with the blend-ability.
Tip – Try to stick with similar shades of green and ones that bloom in white.
Remember, less is more.
Lastly, focus on timelessness.
Will your garden look as relevant in 20 years as it will today?
While you may say to yourself, who cares? I won’t be living here in 20 years.
1. You could still be living there
2. If you were to sell, your garden can add to your property‘s appeal
Setting and planning your garden up as an investment is one of the best decisions you can make for your home.
After all, you’re living on the inside of your home and your garden is living on the outside.
Looking to sell, buy or lease? Click here to contact John
This information is of a general nature only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. We are not financial, legal or tax advisers. You should seek appropriate professional advice specific to you before acting on this information.
