Once you have decided that you would like to add one or more trees or shrubs to your yard, you have to consider several factors.
You may get lucky with an impulse purchase at a local store, but often that leads to disappointment. Plants brought into town are not necessarily appropriate for our area, although there usually is a selection of appropriate plants.
Most of the time, the best plants for our area are not the newest, most promoted plants.
Think about your yard. Is there a low, wet spot where nothing does well? Is there a hot, dry area? Full sun? Shade from the house, a tall evergreen, or dappled shade where the sun peeks through between deciduous leaves? An area where the wind blows through? A sheltered spot?
All these factors are important for selecting the appropriate plants.
You also have to consider the space above. Are there overhead lines? If you want to plant near them, you want to select a tree or shrub that will not grow tall enough to interfere with them.
Eaves are another consideration. Many a cedar has been planted so close that it eventually hits the eaves and has nowhere to go. How close to the house do you want to plant? You have to consider width as well as height.
Plant tags should state mature height and width, but they often understate both. A little research on the internet helps, as well as checking out mature plants around town.
When doing research, be sure to look up the exact scientific name and cultivar of a plant that interests you. For example, high-bush cranberry, an attractive and desirable shrub, has several cultivars that vary greatly in mature height and width.
Also consider the purpose you have in mind. Are you interested primarily in a show of spring flowers? Or a stunning fall display? Something that may bloom most of the summer or have coloured foliage all summer? An evergreen? A shade tree or something that bears fruit or berries for you or for the birds? A screen from the street, a neighbouring yard or an unsightly storage or utility area?
A lot to consider, but not that complicated.
First, look at where you would like to plant something.
Then assess the site for soil, sun or shade, windy or sheltered, overhead obstacles. That will narrow down the possibilities.
If the choices are too limiting in that spot, choose another site and repeat the process.
Alternately, if you have a specific plant in mind, consider all the factors in your yard to find the best site.
Next, we will consider specific conditions and plants to suit them.
Horticulturalist Mary Wright has lived in Denare Beach for more than 30 years. She shares her passion for gardening with Flin Flon readers every second Wednesday in The Reminder.
