How to Select the Right Plants for Your Landscape

We have all had failures in our landscaping projects.  Plants fail to thrive for a number of reasons – some that are even beyond a professional’s control.  Our environment here in Central Florida is harsh at times and full of pests and diseases most of the time.  Plants that are under stress will succumb to these pressures quickly. 

The best way to ensure success is to put the right plant in the right place.  This is the philosophy of the Orange County Extension Center which gets its horticultural research-based information from the scientists at UF. 

The process starts with an evaluation of your landscaping site – sun exposure, tree placement and canopies, irrigation systems, etc. and continues with a knowledge of plants that will succeed in specific environments.  Placing a flowering hedge on the north side of a home might bring disappointment to the homeowners.  Many flowering plants need full sun to bloom.  Placing azaleas underneath palm trees will likely cause problems as azaleas need acidic soil like that found under oak trees where the constant leaf drop and decomposition creates an acidic soil environment. A home without a functioning irrigation system would benefit from plants that require less water. There are countless situations that could compromise your landscape’s health.

There are hundreds of plant choices in local Maitland and Winter Park nurseries. But identifying the environment and plants that have the best chance of success is an important first step.  Information like this will help you narrow down appropriate plants for you landscape. Click here >>> RIGHT PLANT, RIGHT PLACE: PLANT SELECTION AND SITING

Gardenly Landscape Designs can help, too.  Reach out to us for a free landscape design consultation and give your environment it’s best chance to be Gardenly!