Finding Native Plants

One of the first factors to consider when you are shopping for garden flowers is which plants are actually native to your area. It stands to reason that plants that grow well naturally in an environment will probably work in your garden. To learn which garden flowers and plants grow naturally where you live, talk to your local extension office. They will undoubtedly have any number of choices that you can mull over in creating a garden that will thrive in your conditions. This will be especially helpful in selecting perennials for your garden flowers that will bloom year after year. These types of plants need the proper environment to thrive, and taking the time to choose these plants correctly will reward you with plenty of color and beauty for years to come.

Sun, Shade and Moisture Requirements

Even native plants will work better in some areas of your yard than in others, so spend the time evaluating the area you will be placing your garden flowers into before you ever pick up a shovel. Watch to see how much light the area receives. If it is primarily a shady area, choose garden flowers that like low light conditions. For areas that are in full sun, it is best to select garden flowers that are going to be hardier. Moisture requirements are another consideration. If you do not have an irrigation system and you don't want to spend excess time with your watering can or hose, choose plants that are drought tolerant. For information about sun and water requirements, read the tags that come with the plants, or talk to your local nursery about the type of conditions that certain plants require.

Garden flowers are a great way to bring color and fragrance to an outdoor living space. By taking your time and using care in selecting the best garden flowers for your area, you will be able to enjoy those beautiful blooms all summer long.

1. Before starting any design it's important to study views and traffic patterns so that you can enjoy vistas, aren't gawked at by passing motorists, and have enough room for both growing and maneuvering space. A garden should be someplace easily accessible. Visit your garden often, once a day or many times a week, to catch problems, harvest young vegetables, and perform regular tasks. The closer your garden to your front or back door, the better — and the better it will look and produce.
2. Good soil is essential; most soil problems can be amended with good homemade compost. A garden will need at least one foot of good soil to grow in, more if you're planning to grow deep-rooted plants such as potatoes, tomatoes, rye, radishes, etc.
3. A nice brisk wind will strengthen your plants, keep diseases scarce, and bring numerous beneficial insects. But too much wind will flatten your garden though, so try for a good balance and plant windbreaking trees if necessary.
4. Sunlight duration throughout the year in a garden will determine success or failure. Approximately 90% of your vegetable plants will need at least 8 hours of full sunlight a day. You can get by with less if you have excellent soil and water properly. Watch the sun's path through the course of a day, throughout the year, so your plants the taller plants will not overshadow a sun-needy neighbor.
5. Deep, irregular watering is the key to strong roots for your plants. Soaking the ground (not the plants) throughly, will help the roots to grow deep into the soil, finding nutrients and any water tables. Shallow watering, on the other hand, might cause the roots to spread out near the surface of the ground and be more susceptible to diseases, insects, and drought. With good mulching, most established vegetable gardens can be watered once a week, barring heat or other extenuating circumstances. Because heavy watering will be necessary, make sure that a good source of water is near your garden location.