Part 4: Planting design
9. Selecting plants for planting design
The first consideration when selecting plants is to the overall effect required for the planting design: options could include informal and naturalistic, or neat and tidy; cool and restrained, or bright and cheerful.
Deciding early on what focal points are required within the design can then dictate the choice of focal plants, secondary planting and fillers. The planted border will require plants of varied size to add interest, this prevents monotony; if all plants are the same size the border will appear flat.
For year-round interest, maybe include some strategically sited evergreen plants to give structure to the border. Also, try combining plants with different growth habits, for example carpeting the ground below deciduous shrubs with bulbs creates two seasonal interests, spring and summer.
When you are making a list of plants that you think will look good together, note down the information relating to each plant such as height, width, colour, seasonal interest, form and texture.
It is important to avoid a collection of plants that have been chosen for their individual characteristics alone and when planted in a border do not relate to their neighbour.
Select a plant
What growing conditions does the plant require? - Light or shade? Hardy? Dry or moist soil? Acid or alkaline soil?
Is the plant compatible with the chosen colour scheme? Does it have an attractive scent? - Is it structural, having interesting form, texture or foliage? Will it be a key plant to your design? Will it be a secondary plant to your design? Will it be a filler plant?
What size will it be when fully matured? - What height? What width? Will the plant's mature size compliment your design?
Is it available? Is it affordable?
Consider the following, to help in listing objectives for a planting design:
Balance: The composition and effect is pleasing to the eye and presents a complete picture.
Proportion: The relationship between plants and their neighbours is in scale with one another.
Rhythm: Create a pattern within the planting design, repetition may help balance and will lead the eye along the border.
Emphasis: Create a focal point, or frame an area, by introducing key plants. Ensure that the border has interest all year round.
Unity and context: All elements of the planting design fit together as a whole.
Also consider:
Soil: Know what type of soil (clay, sand or loam) and its condition, whether acid, alkaline, good or bad drainage, healthy or lacking in nutrients.
Shade and/or sun: Note the aspect of the area and existing structures that may cast shade over the area. Note which plants prefer full sun, half shade or shade.
Seasonality of chosen plants: Know in which season(s) the plant offers the most interest.
Size: Research and record mature growth size of individual plants. Consider the plant's form as well as size in the design.
Colour: Note what colour the plant will bring to the design, and during which season it occurs.
Plants that are seen in gardens today are from far flung corners of the world, therefore detail of the soil type and the climatic conditions in which the plant likes to grow is vital information; it makes all the difference knowing if the plant will thrive in its proposed planting place.