Why choosing the right plants for your garden is important

The right plants can transform a garden, making it a beautiful and relaxing space that you can enjoy all year round. However, choosing the right plants for your garden is no easy task – you need to consider a range of factors, including climate, soil type, and your style and needs.

What to consider when choosing landscaping plants in Australia

When it comes to choosing plants for your garden, it’s important to consider the climate and weather patterns in your area. Australia has a range of different climate zones, and choosing plants that are suited to your local climate is key to ensuring success in your garden.

The climate and weather

When choosing plants for your garden, it is important to first think about the climate and weather patterns in your area. Australia has a diverse climate, ranging from tropical rainforests to arid deserts, and it is essential to select plants that can thrive in your specific climate. 

For example, if you live in a region with high temperatures and low rainfall, you may want to consider native plants that are drought-tolerant, such as succulents, flowering gums, and bottlebrushes. 

On the other hand, if you live in a cooler region with high rainfall, you may want to consider plants that can handle moist soil, such as ferns, orchids, and begonias.

The soil type and quality

Another important factor to consider when selecting plants for your garden is soil type and quality. Soil is the foundation of any garden, and it is important to choose plants that can grow well in your specific soil conditions. Australian soils can vary widely depending on the region, and it is essential to get your soil tested before choosing plants. 

By determining the pH level, nutrient content, and texture of your soil, you can select plants that can thrive in your specific soil conditions. For example, if you have acidic soil, you may want to consider planting azaleas, blueberries, and rhododendrons, which prefer acidic soil. Similarly, if you have alkaline soil, you may want to consider planting lavender, rosemary, and thyme, which prefer alkaline soil.

Your preference and personal style

When considering which plants to choose for your garden and landscaping project, it’s always important to consider your personal needs, style and preferences. There are many different styles and it’s best to design with your preferences in mind whilst balancing it with the limitations of your space and layout. The perfect garden for you could be a Japanese zen garden with rocks with some Japanese maples might be perfect or a classic English garden with roses and lavender. Whatever it may be, you ultimately want to feel a connection to the design of the garden.

Arranging your garden with plants optimally

Once you have chosen the right plants for your garden, the next step is arranging them in a way that maximises their beauty and functionality. When it comes to garden design, there are a few key concepts  to keep in mind:

• Use a mix of colours, textures, and heights to create interest and variety in your garden.
• Group plants together based on their water and sunlight needs.
• Use focal points, such as sculptures or water features, to create visual interest and draw the eye.
• Create pathways and borders to define different areas of your garden and provide structure to your design.

Picking the best plants for your space, style & needs  

When choosing plants for your garden, it’s important to consider your space, style, and needs. Here are a few tips to help you pick the best plants for your unique situation.

• If you have a small space, choose plants that are compact and don’t require a lot of room to grow.
• If you have a particular style in mind, choose plants that fit that style – for example, if you want a cottage garden, choose plants with a more relaxed and informal feel.
• Consider your needs – if you have pets or children, choose plants that are non-toxic and won’t cause harm if ingested.

Grouping plants together in your garden

How many should you group? What types?

Grouping plants together is a great way to create a cohesive and visually appealing garden design. When grouping plants together, it is important to consider their size, texture, and colour. Here are some tips for grouping plants together.

• Group together plants that have similar water and sunlight needs.
• Choose a mix of heights and textures to create visual interest.
• Use odd numbers of plants, such as threes or fives, for a more natural and organic feel.

1. Consider the size of the plants 

Group plants with similar sizes together to create a balanced and harmonious appearance. For example, you can group tall plants together in the back of your garden and shorter plants in the front.

2. Consider the texture of the plants 

Group plants with similar textures together to create a natural and calming effect. For example, you can group feathery ferns and grasses together to create a soft and gentle appearance.

3. Consider the colour of the plants

Group plants with similar colours together to create a bold and striking effect. For example, you can group red, orange, and yellow flowers together to create a vibrant and colourful display.

What can you plant next to each other in the garden?

Companion planting is a gardening technique where certain plants are grown together to benefit each other. For example, some plants can repel pests or attract beneficial insects, while others can provide shade or support. Here are some companion planting tips to consider when selecting plants for your garden.

1. Plant herbs with vegetables

Planting herbs, such as basil or rosemary, next to vegetables to help deter pests. Herbs such as basil, thyme, and parsley can help repel pests and provide flavour to your vegetables.

2. Plant flowers with vegetables

Plant flowering herbs, such as lavender or chamomile, next to vegetables to attract pollinators. Flowers such as marigolds, nasturtiums, and zinnias can attract beneficial insects such as bees and butterflies, which can help pollinate your vegetables. Plant marigolds next to tomatoes to help deter pests.

3. Plant tall plants with shorter plants

Tall plants such as sunflowers and corn can provide shade and support for shorter plants such as lettuce and spinach.

Plants that shouldn’t be planted together

While companion planting can be beneficial for your garden, it is also important to consider which plants should not be planted together. Some plants can compete for resources, attract pests or diseases, or release chemicals that can harm other plants. Here are just a few examples of plant combinations that should not be planted together.

1. Tomatoes and potatoes

These plants are from the same family and can attract the same pests and diseases, which can harm both plants.

2. Cucumbers and melons

These plants can attract pests such as cucumber beetles and can also compete for resources such as water and nutrients.

3. Brassicas and nightshades

These plants can release chemicals that can harm each other and should be planted separately.

Steps to designing your own garden

Designing your own garden can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Here is a step-by-step guide to designing your own garden:

1. Assess your space

Look at your yard and assess the size, shape, and orientation of your space. Consider any existing features, such as trees or structures, that may impact your design.

2. Determine your needs

What do you want to use your garden for? Do you want a space for entertaining, growing vegetables, or simply relaxing?

3. Choose your style

Consider your personal taste and choose a garden style that reflects your personality and complements your home’s architecture.

4. Choose your plants

Based on your climate, soil type, and needs, choose a mix of plants that will thrive in your garden and complement your chosen style.

5. Create a plan

Sketch out your garden design, including any focal points, pathways, and borders you want to include. Make sure to include plenty of detail to help you visualize your design.

6. Implement your plan

Once you have your plan in place, it’s time to start implementing it. Start by preparing your soil and planting your chosen plants, then add in any features such as pathways or focal points. If you’re time-poor or don’t have a green thumb, you can hire an experienced landscape gardener.

Final thoughts on creating an ideal green space

Choosing the right plants for your garden is an essential part of creating an ideal green space that you can enjoy all year round. By considering factors such as climate, soil type, and your personal style and needs you can choose plants that will thrive in your garden and complement your unique situation.

Remember to follow the key principles of garden design, such as using a mix of colours and textures, grouping plants together based on their needs, and creating pathways and borders to define different areas of your garden.

With a little bit of planning and effort, you can create a beautiful and functional garden that will provide you with years of enjoyment. Happy gardening!