A BOTANICAL DESIGNER'S PLANT PHILOSOPHIES
It might seem to you that having a green thumb is innate and that there are people who are predestined to be gardeners. As strange as it may seem, having a green thumb is a skill which needs to be earned through a lot of hard work and nurtured. You will need a lot of patience and dedication if you want to have a beautiful garden you can be proud of. It’s important to know what each plant needs before you plant it outside, and it will take some learning if you want all of your plants to thrive.
Step 1
Those which thrive in shade
It is general belief that all plants require plenty of sun, but it isn’t the case. Plants which are native to woodlands love partial to full shade, and if you have garden (or a part of the garden) which stays in shade most of the day, you can grow shade-loving plants. Delicate and beautiful, ‘bleeding heart’ is incredibly popular among gardeners. It resembles plain old fern until it bursts into flowers somewhat in late spring. English ivy is also much-loved among gardeners because it’s frost-resistant and it will ‘climb’ your fence, walls of your house, and your garden shed with ease as long as there’s shade and moisture. Still, as much as it likes moisture, English ivy need dry soil, so don’t water it too much. Both these plants will make your garden look mysterious, like a place in which fairies live.
Step 2
You are my sunshine
There are some plants which simply cannot live without getting plenty of sun, and if you’re thinking of planting any of there, you should make sure they’re planted in the part of the yard that gets the most sun. Good old lavender is a simple plant which will thrive in the sun, and it will provide you with flowers that will make your entire home smell divine. Among other plants that love the sun are miniature roses, different types of salvia, and lovely coneflowers. These will make your garden colourful and inviting. Still, you shouldn’t choose plants which aren’t native to your areas as these will struggle more and even if there’s enough sun, they might not like the soil.
Step 3
In need of water
Just as there are plants which need a lot of sun, there are those who are in greater need of water and moisture. Lily of the valley and iris like to have their roots in poorly drained and soggy soil. Unlike lavender or roses, which would both quickly rot in such soil, these plants will thrive. Sweet woodruff will also make your garden smell divine, and its small, white flowers will always draw bees and butterflies. If you would like to grow these plants, but you‘re not sure whether the soil in your garden is moist enough, you should make a habit out of watering it every day. If it’s too much work for you, you can try getting customized sprinkler systems which will ensure that all of your plants get enough water throughout the day and throughout the season too.
Step 4
Small and convenient
If you would like to grow your own herbs and use them in your household, but you don’t have enough space in your garden, you can improvise. By using small flower pots, or even mason jars, you can make your own vertical garden. Most herbs are super-easy to grow as they don’t require much space, so mason jar project is perfect for growing basil, rosemary, cilantro, parsley, and thyme. The best thing is that you can grow these pretty much anywhere by mounting the jars on the wall of your house, and you can use fresh ingredients when you cook.
Step 5
It’s important to remember that plants are similar to people – they may look alike, but they aren’t the same. They have different needs, and you are going to have to learn much about them if you want to give them the best conditions. Learn to recognize when they need watering or more sunlight so they don’t struggle. If you make the effort to get to know them, and give them plenty of attention and love, your garden will thrive and the plants will be healthy.
