Blending AI Ideas with Practical and Personal Choices

One of the best parts about planting, gardening or caring for plants is the way we unplug. We’re outside in the fresh air away from screens and expectations. The noise in our heads gets quieter, our hearts beat slower, breathing is easier, we’re ‘touching grass’ and have our hands in the dirt …is this us relaxing?

And the best way to make the experience even more positive is to do a little planning before you plant. You’ve probably heard ‘right plant, right place,’ which essentially means that choosing the right plants for your spaces will make all the difference as you grow. It will also save you time and money. We’ve all been accidental plant killers, and we like to learn from our mistakes. Apparently, you do, too!

We’ve seen more of you coming in with AI renderings of your outdoor spaces, and it’s a great way to get started. The diagram or photo is a good visual inspiration, and it always looks pretty. But what it doesn’t always show you are choices that work well in our climate and soil, with your lifestyle and exposure and with mature size and space in mind.

That’s where we can help.

Here are the 10 things you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing plants:

1. Varieties that work well in our zone.
   Circleville and the greater Columbus area sit in the 6a and 6b planting zones. We only grow and get plants from local growers that do well based on our average frost dates, seasonal temps, moisture, soil and more. This way the elements will be on your side.
2. Check your plant tag.
   It will tell you how much light your plant needs to thrive. Full sun means 6 or more hours of direct sun and part sun/shade means 3-6 hours of direct sun, while avoiding the most intense of the afternoon sun.
3. Mature Size.
   You’ll want to plant for the size of your full-grown plant. You’ll find this info on your plant tag, too. It might be prettier in a picture or right away to see plants closer together. But less spacing means less light for the parts of your plants that overlap and more pruning or eventual removal if plants hit power lines, grow into your neighbor’s yard, etc
4. Yep, check your plant tag.
   If your plant needs a lot of moisture, plant in a lower lying area that stays moist, plant near your hose or leave a watering can nearby to make watering easier. Plants that don’t like wet feet? Higher ground and more sun.
5. Bloom Time.
   You’ll be even happier with your plants if you layer their bloom times. So, mix spring-blooming annuals and perennials in with evergreens, late bloomers and plants that have fall and winter interest (e.g. tall grasses, seed pods, interesting and colorful branching).
6. Height, Texture and Color.
   Layer the height of your plants with taller varieties in the back, varying textures and colorways that work together in every season.
7. Color Scheme and Theme.
   What look are you going for? What are your favorite colors? Having a little help with the big picture means choices that support your overall goal and plan, rather than impulse decisions that aren’t in harmony with a more formal landscape or one that has muted colors or lots of texture.
8. Plant for you!
   If you’re gone a lot or hate watering often, plant drought-tolerant plants, including natives, that require very little care once established and/or install drip irrigation. If you love cut flowers, plant accordingly and clip to your heart’s content.
9. Growth rate.
   This is not a primary concern, but if you’re growing for privacy, shade or screening from the elements, you want trees and shrubs that grow quickly.
10. We’re here to help.
    Come in with photos of your yard, an AI rendering, a list or photos of plants you saw in other people’s yards, a Pinterest pin board or simply with curiosity and a wish to love your porch, patio, yard and garden, more. We can do rough sketches, provide plant lists, walk the garden center with you and answer questions as you grow. Or if you want us to handle everything for you, check out our professional design and landscape services.

Have questions and want some help getting started? Ask questions any time of day here, stop in and talk with us or give us a call at (740)474-2028. We would love to help.