In the News - March 2008
Select the right plant for your landscape, agent advises
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Before you get spring fever and go on a planting spree in
the garden, be sure to match the right plants to the right location, says Jimmy Driggers, Garland County extension staff chair with the University of Arkansas
Division of Agriculture.
"Developing an entire new landscape, revitalizing an existing landscape or
planting a single tree is an investment in your home, comfort and environment," Driggers says.
"Investing wisely increases the return and reduces disappointment."
The process of landscaping your home begins with proper plant selection and
understanding your site, he says. Knowing which plants are best suited to the
site is critical to future success. For example, hostas, ferns, bigleaf
hydrangea and most azaleas are better suited to shady locations and will
struggle in full sun.
A common problem in many new landscapes is poorly drained soils, according to
Driggers. In this case, the gardener can either deal with the drainage issue or
select plants that tolerate poorly drained soils.
Some plants such as boxwood, most evergreen hollies and many evergreen
azaleas will die in poorly drained sites, and you should avoid these if you have
a drainage issue.
You also need a clear understanding of a plant’s good and bad attributes,
such as plant size, flower fragrance, flowers and fruits, messy fruits and
brittle wood, says Driggers. Many new landscapes are overplanted because
homeowners didn’t consider the ultimate size of the plants selected.
This leads to dissatisfaction, extra pruning and the inevitable need to
replace or butcher the plant. Placing a large shade tree close to the corner of
a house or a shrub growing to 12 feet beneath a 4-foot window does not make
sense in the long term. Be sure that the mature plant will fit the site.
You can find information on plant characteristics from books, the Internet or
professionals at your local garden center.
The Division of Agriculture has an online plant database
(http://www.aragriculture.org/horticulture/ornamentals/plant_database/) that can help you decide on the right plant.
You can also order Horticulture Highlights 2008 CD online by following the
link at www.uaex.edu or by contacting your county extension
agent.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
March 7, 2008
Media Contact: Lamar James
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2187 or (501) 753-0207
ljames@uaex.edu
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