CONSERVATION CORNER

APPROPRIATE PLANT SELECTION:
THE KEY TO AN ATTRACTIVE GARDEN FOR YEARS TO COME

Choosing appropriate plants is one of the most fundamental and key aspects when developing landscape plans. It is important to decide whether you need plants that are evergreen or deciduous, sun loving or shade tolerant, etc. Selecting plants that don't meet your needs or won't do well given the specific site characteristics can be frustrating, costly, and discouraging. So, make sure you take the time to make these decisions prior to selecting plants.

Next, make sure you select trees, shrubs, and flowering perennials that are both cold tolerant and relatively drought tolerant. There are many attractive plants that require minimal irrigation once they are established. Choose low water-use plants whenever they are appropriate for your needs. Make sure you take the time to research the water requirements of all trees, shrubs, and other plants you are considering.

Finally, group plants by similar water needs and irrigate them appropriately. Grouping plants with different water needs will only lead to over-watering of some, under-watering of others and generally poor health of most of your plant material. Knowing your growing conditions and selecting plants that will thrive under these conditions is the key to success.

APPROPRIATE PLANT SELECTION
DOING MORE WITH LESS, NOT LIVING WITHOUT

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