What are some essential things I should know when planting?

The actual planting is the pay off to gardening. Getting your hands in the fresh cool soil is enough to invigorate anyone’s day. When it comes to planting flowers/shrubs it can be as easy as following directions. Most flowers/shrubs come with a tag on them that gives their name, exposure requirements, ideal climate zone, and planting instructions including distance apart and how deep to dig. When planting anything it is safe to always keep the hole wider rather than deep. Having a wide hole allows the roots to stretch out and establish a strong foundation.

 

Landscapers like to plant in odd numbers. This means if they have a space to fill around a lamppost they would use three boxwoods instead of four. This is a cosmetic preference and not a rule that must be followed. If the specific area would look better with four instead of three that is completely fine.

 

The distance between flowers and shrubs will vary depending on the cosmetic needs and preferences of the homeowner. On new homes, people like to give the look of aged landscaping. This means the homeowner will purchase older, larger plants and plant them in close proximity to one another. It is important to remember that plants need room to grow to their potential. If crammed next to other plants, the flower/shrub may not flourish the way intended or desired.