Having your own garden is an experience that connects directly with nature and offers a personal space for relaxation, creation, and beauty. However, the process of selecting plants for the garden It can be complex, especially for those new to gardening or looking to successfully and sustainably renovate their green space.
As an experts in garden design and maintenance, from XardinerĂa Poio we know that a adequate selection of species It's the first step to ensuring the longevity, low maintenance, and visual balance of your garden. In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide based on professional criteria and practical recommendations for choosing the best plants based on the characteristics of your space and the latest landscaping trends.
Essential factors for choosing plants in the garden
- Available sunlight: It is essential to analyze how many hours of direct sunlight each area of the garden receives. Some species require full sun, while others prefer partial or full shade.
- Floor type: Consider whether the soil is sandy, clayey, calcareous or acidic, as well as its drainage and fertility level. Each plant thrives best in a substrate suited to its needs.
- Irrigation and water supply: The frequency and amount of water your plants will need determines your selection. Group those with similar needs facilitate maintenance and water savings.
- Climate and rusticity: It is important to know the range of usual temperatures In your area, the prevailing winds and altitude are factors that influence the adaptation of each species.
- Available space and growth: Pay attention to adult size of the plant. The final size can influence the design, shading, and coexistence with other elements or buildings.
- Pest and pollution resistance: Prioritize species with low propensity for disease, especially if it is an urban or industrial area where the air may be polluted.
- Aesthetics and functionality: Consider the color, texture, flowering season and whether it is deciduous or evergreen to achieve visual contrasts and an attractive garden all year round.
Recommended plants for beginner and hardy gardens
Choosing hardy and easy-to-maintain species ensures a healthy garden, ideal for those new to gardening or looking to reduce maintenance work.
- Lavender: A very decorative and aromatic plant that requires little watering and adapts well to dry, sunny climates. Its flowers attract pollinators and its foliage provides texture and contrast.
- Geraniums: They stand out for their long flowering period and variety of colors. They grow in varied soils and require direct sunlight, bringing joy to any space.
- Coves: Elegance and beauty for shady areas and consistently moist soils. Its flowers, in shades of white or multi-colored, beautify the garden in spring and summer.
- Ferns: Ideal for providing lush growth in shaded or semi-shaded areas, they tolerate different soil types and require little intervention.
- Petunias: They bloom intensely throughout the warm season, ideal for flowerbeds and planters in full sun and with controlled watering.
Professional criteria for appropriate landscape selection
The art of landscaping combines functionality and beauty, integrating each plant in harmony with the environment and the rest of the architectural or decorative elements of the garden. Among the key professional criteria include:
- Adaptation to the local climate: Choose plants that thrive in the prevailing climate, considering hardiness and tolerance to extreme temperatures.
- Soil requirements: Test your soil for pH, structure, and fertility, and amend if necessary before planting.
- Water needs: Prioritize low-water-consumption species in dry areas and always group them by similar needs.
- Growth and development: Learn about growth rate and size to avoid overcrowding and ensure proper coexistence with other plants.
- Texture and color: Alternate foliage, shapes, and blooms to create a dynamic garden that changes with the seasons and maintains visual interest.
- Avoid problematic species: Consider possible allergies, toxicity, presence of thorns, or whether they require constant pruning for control.
Additional tips for choosing the right plants
- Start your garden with a small, manageable space, ideal for learning about the care of your chosen plants.
- Before buying, find out about their care, needs and possible problemsDon't hesitate to consult with professionals if you need to.
- Plan your planting distances carefully and be patient: it takes time for species to grow and your garden to mature.
- Always choose plants that suit your personal taste and fit into the style of your home and surroundings.
- Use specialized catalogs and resources to compare species and find the most suitable one for each project.
With careful planning and choosing species suited to your needs, your garden will become a beautiful, functional, and low-maintenance space over time. Don't underestimate the value of professional advice in designing a sustainable and harmonious environment.