Released March 7, 2008
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Before you get spring fever and go on a planting spree in the garden, be sure to match the right plants to the right location, says Jimmy Driggers, Garland County extension staff chair with the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.
"Developing an entire new landscape, revitalizing an existing landscape or planting a single tree is an investment in your home, comfort and environment," Driggers says. "Investing wisely increases the return and reduces disappointment."
The process of landscaping your home begins with proper plant selection and understanding your site, he says. Knowing which plants are best suited to the site is critical to future success. For example, hostas, ferns, bigleaf hydrangea and most azaleas are better suited to shady locations and will struggle in full sun.
A common problem in many new landscapes is poorly drained soils, according to Driggers. In this case, the gardener can either deal with the drainage issue or select plants that tolerate poorly drained soils.
Some plants such as boxwood, most evergreen hollies and many evergreen azaleas will die in poorly drained sites, and you should avoid these if you have a drainage issue.
You also need a clear understanding of a plant’s good and bad attributes, such as plant size, flower fragrance, flowers and fruits, messy fruits and brittle wood, says Driggers. Many new landscapes are overplanted because homeowners didn’t consider the ultimate size of the plants selected.
This leads to dissatisfaction, extra pruning and the inevitable need to replace or butcher the plant. Placing a large shade tree close to the corner of a house or a shrub growing to 12 feet beneath a 4-foot window does not make sense in the long term. Be sure that the mature plant will fit the site.
You can find information on plant characteristics from books, the Internet or professionals at your local garden center.
The Division of Agriculture has an online plant database (http://www.aragriculture.org/horticulture/ornamentals/plant_database/) that can help you decide on the right plant.
You can also order Horticulture Highlights 2008 CD online by following the link at http://www.uaex.edu or by contacting your county extension agent.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of Agriculture.
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http://arkansasagnews.uark.edu/2223.htm
Contacts: Lamar James, (501) 671-2187, ljames@uaex.edu
