Landscape and Garden Design Tip #9 If it Doesn’t Perform, Move It or Lose It!

I love plants as much as anyone. I also respect them. Before spending a fortune on rare plants that seldom perform in your climate, do some research. Try one for a season. There are reasons why you see so many of the same species in your local area. I prefer the common high performers over the more difficult ones.

It’s a shame to see hard work and dollars wasted on cowering, sickly, dried out plants. If a plant is struggling, try moving it. It may need more sun, or moisture. It may need more space for it’s root system to flourish. Unhappy trees and plants will stand out and steal the spotlight from the rest of your landscape. Spend most of your budget on proven winners. They should make up the main body of your garden. Later you can fill in with flourishes of exotics. And again, remember to consider your own unique climate and hardiness zone before planting.