|
Services
>
Yard
>
Natural Lawn & Garden Care
>
Choosing the Right Plants
Choosing the Right Plants
Use the right plant in the right place
A plant whose cultural needs are not met -- for sun or shade, moist or dry conditions, drainage, protection from wind, etc. -- will never thrive. Unhealthy plants are generally more susceptible to pests and disease.
Planning a great garden starts on paper. Map your yard, identifying the site conditions mentioned above. As you consider plants and their placement, take into account the mature size of the plants so you won’t overcrowd them, to avoid ongoing -- and often unattractive -- pruning and shaping. Also remember that all plants need regular watering until they are established -- from one to three years.
By using the right plant in the right place, in combination with good soil preparation and mulching practices, your landscape should need relatively little supplemental watering after establishment. Actual watering needs will depend on specific site conditions and plants used.
The Plant List
This guide suggests 240 plants that thrive in a variety of Northwest conditions. Download the Plant List (PDF), or call the Garden Hotline at (206) 633-0224 to request a hard copy.
Helpful tips
Here are some tips for working with your local nursery or landscape professional:
- • Draw a map of your yard. Identify conditions such as sun or shade, moist or dry, and soil textures - sand, clay or loam.
- • Ask about plants that will thrive in these conditions, naturally!
- • Ask about environmentally-friendly garden products and services.
Get more information
Two classics are The Sunset Western Garden Book, by Sunset Publishing Corporation; and Right Plant, Right Place, by Nicola Ferguson, Summit Books, 1994. Visit your local public library or book-store for more environmental gardening resources.
Related links
Composting
Salmon-friendly Gardening
Links to other sites
Seattle Public Library
King County Public Library
|
