- Too many\ndifferent plants<\/li>
- Not enough\nplants<\/li>
- Planting\njust the plans you know. <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Let\u2019s\nconsider positive strategies in these three areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
First,\ndevelop your landscape around a just nine to twelve different plants. Selecting\nplants in this short list for specific roles will bring order and cohesion to\nthe landscape, and avoid the chaos that too often results from impulsive\nadditions of individual plants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second, once\nyou have selected your short list of plants, install lots of them. This\nstrategy is related to adding plants in clusters of three, five, or any other\nodd-numbered quantity, to present them in a natural and pleasing manner. As you\nreach larger numbers, install the plants in swathes or bands to provide a\nlandscaping effect. Greayer says, \u201cRepetition gives a scheme flow and rhythm.\nRepetition is a savvy designer\u2019s best trick.\u201d For example, I recently planted\ntwo parallel arcs of blue and yellow irises as a color statement for next\nspring. Over the next few seasons, these plants will increase to provide\nincreasingly dramatic displays. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i1.wp.com\/ongardening.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Iris-Lavender.jpg?fit=584%2C366\")
A swath of Dalmation Iris (Iris pallida ‘Variegata’) backed up with Lavender plants<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/ongardening.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/Pheasant-in-Geraniums.jpg?fit=584%2C432\")
A bed of hardy geraniums (Geranium \u00d7 cantabrigiense ‘Biokovo’ ) with a garden art pheasant
<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nRelated to\nthe idea of repetition planting is the installation of plants with close\nspacing. While you might be tempted to spread plants out to cover space in the\ngarden, having open areas between plants reduces their visual impact and\ninvites the growth of weeds. Close spacing reflects the natural tendency of\nplants to propagate and develop into colonies. It also functions as \u201cgreen\nmulch,\u201d denying weeds the sunlight they need to develop. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Third,\nexplore the wonderful world of plants to find good choices for your short list\nof selections for the landscape. It\u2019s always important to select plants that\nare suitable for the climate, soil and exposure of the locations for which you\nare planning, but there are always many interesting selections that are both\nsuitable for your garden and new to your experience. Relying on common and\nfamiliar plants will doom your landscape to being (gasp!) ordinary. Discover\ninteresting plants that will bring excitement to your garden, and invest time\nin learning how to cultivate them successfully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In review,\nthere are three strategies for planning the development of your garden during\nthis planting season: develop a short list of plants, install significant\nnumbers of each kind of plant, and select some unfamiliar plants that will fit\ninto your plan and provide a fresh new look to your landscape. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Enjoy this\nfall\u2019s planting season, and your garden\u2019s coming spring!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
This year\u2019s Fall Equinox lands on September 22, marking the unofficial start of the planting season. Installing new plants in your garden during the fall provides them time to establish roots and prepare for leafing out and blooming in the … Continue reading