Want a garden but don’t know where to start? There’s a lot to consider. For instance, you have to understand where there’s shade, where the sun hits your yard at each part of the day, and how well your yard drains. You also have to try to get the colors you choose to complement each other. Do you want a pattern in your garden? How about trees and shrubs? 

These are all important questions. However, the most important thing to consider is what plants you should have in your garden. There are many types and colors, and they all have their pros and cons. Some will be able to grow well in your climate, and some will not. Here’s a quick to help you choose the right plants for your garden. 

Gauge How Much Space You Have

You can’t plan a garden if you don’t know how much space you have to plant. It’s easy to figure out your space: just take out your trusty tape measure and get a number. As you think about what plants you might get, make sure to take into consideration how much each plant needs to grow. Some plants need space to spread out and accumulate, and you don’t want them to overwhelm other plants. If you will be using containers or garden boxes, you will have to take that into your planning as well. 

Consider Your Climate and Conditions

You might have the perfect plant that you saw online. It has beautiful colors, is supposed to smell great, and is an appropriate size for your space. That’s all good, but if it’s going to die immediately after planting it, you wasted your time. Are your winters very cold? Are the summers overly hot? Do you get a lot of rain, or do you live in a desert climate? Certain plants will thrive in some wither and wilt in another. 

You should also take a look at your yard and see where the shade is. Some plants like shade, and some want to be out in the sun for as much as possible. You should also test the soil to see it is appropriate for growing the types of plants you want to grow. If you are unsure, you can take it to a plant and tree nursery for advice. They will try to match up plants with your soil type. 

Play With Colors

Colors will play a big part in your garden. You want them to be cohesive and visually appealing. It’s usually a good idea to draw your colors on a piece of paper to get an idea of how they look together. Then, play around any, maybe you’ll come up with an amazing combination. If you’re a novice, try to stick with 3 colors in each garden bed to keep everything cohesive. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can always use more. It depends on your own tolerance for potential chaos. It will take a few seasons, but eventually, you’ll be able to incorporate more colors and creativity. 

Always Consider Pests

Pets and rodents will almost certainly make a visit to your garden. You have to know what kinds of pests are common in your area and protect your plants accordingly. There are also some plants that are more resistant to pests and don’t taste very good for rodents. If you or the neighbors have a dog, then you shouldn’t have lilies, as they can be dangerous to them. If your area has hedgehogs or rabbits, then perhaps planter boxes would be a good choice to prevent burrowing. 

The Sun and the Shade

The plants you buy have to thrive in your yard, and you have to give them the best chance to do so. Your choice of plants will have to be suited to the environment around it. For instance, you don’t want to get plants that like to be cool and protected from the sun if there is no shade on your property. In that case, a flower-like daylilies would be ideal. Conversely, if your property is full of trees, then you might have a problem with plants that like the sun. Hellebores would be the perfect plant for a shady yard. 

Size Counts

It might surprise you to know the amount of gardeners who put down plants they end up being much bigger when they grow. Planning out your garden means planning for how they will be fully grown, not the size they are in the pot. This is especially important in small yards. If you are planting trees, then take into consideration the roots that will spread and need nourishment. Some flowers may not survive close to trees, or they might struggle with the shade that was there one year but wasn’t there the previous year. 

How Much Time Do You Have?

Having a garden will take some work to plant, but it will also take regular maintenance to keep it healthy and looking great. How much work you do regularly will depend on the plants you buy. If you buy many high-maintenance plants, you will spend a lot of time watering, trimming, pruning, weeding, and doing whatever else each plant type needs to survive. Topiary and box plants are good choices for those who don’t have a lot of time or don’t want to spend all their free time in the garden. 

Choosing plants for your garden might be the most important decision you make for it. However, it’s not as simple as picking one you like and getting it in the ground. You need to consider several factors to make sure that you have plants that will thrive where you live. Follow these guidelines, and you will have a stunning garden for years to come.