How to Find the Perfect Plants for Your Yard

Everyone wants a home with a beautifully landscaped yard. Adding the right plants and flowers to your home can help your curb appeal and allow your home to stand out. Choosing the right flowers and shrubs can be a daunting task but with a few simple tips, you can find the perfect plant to add to your garden.

Tip #1 – Find your hardiness zone. Pick plants that will survive the winters in your climate. For those of you in Harpers Mill, your hardiness zone is 7a. This is especially important if you are choosing a perennial, shrub, or tree.

Tip #2 – Determine how much light your garden receives. 6 or more hours of sun is considered full sun. 4-6 is partial sun, and less than 4 is considered shade. Using plants that are suited to the amount of sun they get will help keep them healthy.

Tip #3 – Figure out your soil. Is it usually wet, dry, or normal? Is it clay or rocky? There are plants that survive better in each type of soil, but a good thing about soil is you can always add amendments to make it work for the type of plants you desire.

Tip #4 – Consider the size of the full grown plant. The tags on plants will give you this information. Choose taller plants for the back part of your garden, and smaller plants for the front. Staggered heights can help give your garden dimension and make it more visually appealing.

Tip #5 – Choose different colors and textures. When picking plants, consider the color of the leaves and the blooms of the flowers. Pick plants with coordinating colors that complement each other and don’t clash. You will also want to consider the color of your home and hardscape areas.

Using these simple tips can help you be on your way to creating a beautiful yard that will be the envy of your neighbors.