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Selecting Your Plants -
Generally, search for plants with vigorous foliage. Make sure they are rooted
securely in their soil.
Stay away from plants use roots
are exposed to the surface or with roots growing out of the bottom of the pot.
They will not take root very well in your garden.
When buying trees look for trees
with a strong leader branch. Leader branches promote healthy growth.
Below are some other things
to think about when buying your plants:
Your Climate -
If you are going to do your
own landscaping, you will need to think about which shrubs, flowers, and trees
are best for your climate.
Shrubs, flowers, and trees are grouped together according to climate zones as
seen on the Climate Map of the U.S.A.
A climate zone map separates the
country into different climate zones, linking areas with like climates. You
should find out your own zone and select only the plants appropriate for your
area.
Normally your local nurseries will carry plants that are suited to your climate.
If you are going to purchase
plants from a catalog, keep in mind that they sell to the whole country and not
all the plants they sell will be suitable in your area. Make sure to see the
climate zone info before your order.
Sun Exposure - Additionally to the climate issue, there is also the sun
issue for shrubs, flowers, and trees. A number of plants have to have full sun,
and some plants need full shade. Plant catalogues and guides include the plants
shade or sun requirements.
Shapes and Sizes -
The sizes and shapes of your
plants must blend in with the architecture of your house, and even hide some of
the features of your house you don not like. Generally, darker and taller plants
are most suited to the back of a plant bed with lighter colored and shorter
plants up front.
Catalogues tell you the plant size when fully grown, which is vital for proper
spacing on your plan and in your garden.
You should also be aware of the time of the season when the shrubs or flowers
bloom, particularly if you are want to have color throughout the whole growing
season.
You have to make a decision of what size of shrubs and trees to buy. They are
sold at various stages of growth in one to seven-gallon containers. However, you
can get larger ones that come wrapped in burlap.
Small plants cost less but
they take longer before they are fully-grown. Therefore, it is really a question
of patience vs. budget.
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