Creating a beautiful, functional, and sustainable landscape can be challenging, especially when considering a variety of plant options. The possibilities for planting are endless, ranging from flowering trees and shrubs to combination beds featuring perennials and annuals. However, the quality of plants is a crucial aspect to consider in landscaping.
Even the most luxurious landscape design can look dull over time if you don’t choose high-quality plants from landscape plant nurseries.
Here are tips on selecting high-quality plants from landscape plant nurseries for landscaping projects.
Why Plant Selection is Important in Landscaping?
Whether you plan to have a sprawling, lush garden or simply need a few trees and scrubs to add some greenery, plant selection is an important aspect of landscaping.
Thoughtful Plant selection can provide various advantages, such as:
- Promoting wildlife, limiting water usage, and preventing the spread of invasive species.
- Enhancing aesthetic appeal
- Providing functional value through edible gardens, privacy and noise control, and shade-giving trees.
- Ensuring the longevity of your landscape
- Increasing pest- and disease-resistance
- Reducing maintenance requirements
- Providing long-term cost savings
6 Tips on selecting high-quality plants from a landscape plant nursery
Check plant Sturdiness for Landscaping
When searching plants at your local plant center, look for plants with strong stems and avoid those that appear fragile or spindly.
Look for signs of new growth, such as fresh, vibrant leaves and buds, which indicate a plant’s health and growth. Also, look for a balanced shape and avoid crooked plants.
Check for a Healthy Root System
Unfortunately, assessing a plant’s root system is not always easy, depending on how it is presented. However, it can tell you a lot about its health. If possible, check the pot to ascertain if the roots are evenly distributed. Plants with hard, compacted roots or those growing out of the bottom of the pot should be avoided.
Purchase Healthy Foliage Plants
Before purchasing a plant, carefully examine its leaves, flowers, and branches. This is the most effective method for assessing a plant’s health and long-term sustainability.
Avoid plants with holes, scars, spots, wilting, or other indications of pests or disease in favor of ones with dense, colored foliage.
Choose a Reputable landscape plant nursery.
All Garden centers aren’t created equally. As you search for local landscape plant nursery, look for the following:
- Plants that are labeled (and labeled correctly)
- Healthy-looking plants
- Well-organized shelves
- Experienced staff
- A wide range of plants
- Good customer reviews
- Create relationships with local landscaping companies
Consider Your Entire Landscape Design
The plants you select are part of a broader ecosystem. In order to create a beautiful, and functional outdoor space, you should choose plants that complement your whole property and work in harmony with the other elements in your landscape.
Work With an Expert
Professional landscapers have extensive knowledge of plants and their ability to select them for unique garden designs.
If you’re just planting a few flowers, you may probably get advice from the staff of a reputable garden center. But if you’re planning a larger landscaping project, working with a landscape designer can ensure that you select plants that will enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space for years to come.
