Choosing the Perfect Plant by Form + Function
March 20, 2024 | 1 min to read
Selecting plants for your garden demands careful consideration beyond merely choosing attractive flowers. Key aspects include the growth habit, whether aiming for a privacy screen with arborvitae or a specimen plant like blue spruce, and the foliage, which adds texture and interest throughout the seasons. For instance, delicate ferns enhance shady areas, while bold hostas create contrast. Incorporating evergreens ensures winter structure, while whimsical silvery leaves, like those of lamb's ear, bring charm to rock gardens.
Selecting plants for your garden goes far beyond picking out pretty blooms. While flowers are undeniably delightful, a truly successful garden considers the entire plant throughout the seasons. This article will explore various criteria to consider when choosing plants, ensuring a vibrant and interesting landscape year-round.
Structure and Form:
● Growth Habit: Think about the intention behind your planting. Do you desire a privacy screen with columnar arborvitae, a specimen plant with the stately pyramidal form of blue spruce, or a ground cover with the spreading tendrils of creeping jenny? Consider the plant’s overall shape and how it will complement your existing plantings.
● Foliage: Consider the plant’s leaves beyond just color. Fine, feathery ferns bring a delicate touch to a shady nook, while bold hostas offer textural contrast next to smooth river stones in a Japanese garden. Evergreens provide winter structure in borders, and silvery foliage like lamb’s ear adds a whimsical touch to a rock garden.
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