“Location” is a common real estate phrase that is also applicable to gardening.
Gardeners can make their experience a whole lot easier by simply choosing the right plant for the right location. And this is the best time of year to evaluate a garden’s performance.
I personally have a preference for many common, old-fashioned perennials that certainly proves the mantra of location, location, location.
Being partial to Rudbeckia hirta, (black-eyed Susan), because of their traditional summer show, I planted them in my front and back yards. The stand in the back garden is absolutely glorious. Numerous golden blossoms on tall sturdy stocks, bathe in full sunshine.
Not so much in the front garden. The plant is spindly with much smaller and fewer blooms due to lack of full sun.
Obviously, plants grown in the right location will be best suited to their site. They will establish roots quickly and be healthier.
Rudbeckia is a member of the Asteraceae family and requires full sun. Like the whole family, the plant tag specifies that it will grow in partial shade but the results are radically different.
Sunshine vital
Asters, daisies and sunflowers are all members of the group. It has been said it is the largest family of flowering plants, comprising about 1,100 genera and 20,000 species that grow best in full sun.
Most vegetables and tomatoes require full sun to bring the plant to fruition. It should be noted that a vegetable garden that has a minimum of six hours of sunshine will provide “acceptable” results.
Healthy plants will be much better equipped to withstand problems than those that are struggling with an incorrect environment.
Gardening can be disheartening, to say the least, when plants get too much or too little sun, water or air circulation. Too much of anything will allow insects or disease to ravage.
Naturally, if they are under stress, they will have less energy to fight off an attack.
To prevent any unnecessary growth problems, gardeners need to choose the right plant for the right growing space. Experience will become the best teacher.
Begin evaluating the growing area by considering each of the following points. This should help in planning what plant could be selected for the area.
How much sun does the space get? A minimum of 6 hours is considered full sun. Partial sun/shade has 4 to 6 hours. Shade has less than 4 hours.
Is the soil somewhat dry or wet? Research each plant’s needs as some prefer dry soil while others thrive in moist conditions. Drainage is critical for some plants.
It is also essential to consider that many shrubs and trees have root systems which will “suck up” all available moisture. In essence they will hoard all available moisture making the soil almost arid.
Is there a secondary water source? Daily watering may be required during the growing season or in a drought.
Is the flower bed close by or out of the way? Close gardens will remind gardeners of daily maintenance requirements. Out of the way areas easily allow the gardener to simply forget about the garden’s needs.
Locate by requirements
High maintenance plants planted in an in-face location will remind the gardener to keep up with routine maintenance. It’s only natural, if it is seen, gardeners will weed, prune, deadhead or inspect for insect damage.
Those plants that require little maintenance or ones that can be neglected for a period of time could be placed in an out-of-the-way spot.
Where is the flower bed located? Proximity to brick walls can be an unforeseeable problem. Naturally, a brick or cement wall has the potential of holding heat if it has been baked in sun during the day. The wall will radiate heat during the day and well into the evening. Obviously, this heat will be excessive and continue to dry out the soil.
All plants are rated for a hardiness zone. This rating scale is defined by a geographic area and specific category of plant life. It includes the plants ability to withstand minimum temperatures of the zone.
This rating is important when planting perennials, shrubs and trees. Knowing individual zones will help in the identification of the plants that will be very winter hardy.
