Diary of a Gardener Right plant, Right Place
Everyone has heard the term, ‘right plant, right place.’ It is one of the Florida Friendly Landscaping (TM) nine principles, but it is not a term used just in Florida. Carefully planned landscapes take thought and time. When I am designing a landscape, I think about what the plant will look like in 6, 9 and 12 months, but also in 5 years. Will the shrub outgrow its space and cover up the front of the house’s windows? Will the tree be too close to the house (something I see way too often). Can you get behind the shrubs to access the side of the house? Planting palms too close to the house and the pool lanai is a major pet peeve of mine. Roots interfere with the house’s foundation. These are all the things to consider when you are planning your landscape.
To really create the landscape/garden you desire you need to assess if something is in the wrong place. And then remove it or move it. Or leave it for the next homeowner. I find working with a blank slate to be easier than camouflaging an old landscapes problem. Obviously cost factor into this. Removing large trees can become costly; however, removing shrubs and small trees are normally within reach. The space is easier to visualize when you are not working around overgrown, unsightly plants.
Just this weekend I had to move some roses. Poor planning on my part, but I noticed one is growing extremely fast and very wild. Upon more research, which I should have done prior to planting, I realize the rose is a climber. I have it in the middle of my garden. A good example of a plant in the wrong place. I could have kept it in its spot, but I would be trimming and pruning constantly and likely cutting off buds and ultimately harming the plant. There is an arbor I can let it climb on close by. This is something I do often, because in my own garden I add and subtract plants on a whim. It is what I do, and I enjoy it; but that is not something any landscape designer should do for their customers.
My main goals in designing a landscape for my customers are in this order:
To be beautiful, colorful, and pleasing to their eye. To match their wants and personality.
To be low(er) maintenance. No garden is NO maintenance, but there are plants that can be lower maintenance, can be pruned and kept in check. Many clients do not maintain their garden themselves.
To stay within their budget.
To benefit the local environment, wildlife and not use extra water unless in drought periods (such as we have had recently).
I am a gardener. I enjoy moving plants around, changing them, experimenting but for most people they are not willing to spend each weekend working in their landscapes, but still want to enjoy the benefits of one. If you find you are struggling to decide what to plant, where and when hiring a designer or garden consultant is an easy and quick way to help get your ideas put into real life and into your landscape. Often all you need is a sound board and direction. Just remember… put the right plant in the right place from the beginning.
