The seven principles of plant selection

Light, soil and moisture, hardiness, height and spread, type of plant, interest and care make up the seven principles of plant selection.

The aspect of the garden will determine the amount of sunlight the site receives. This aspect, as well as the surrounding environment (shadows from neighboring buildings or trees) will be one of the defining factors which will influence your plant choice. Some plants require full sun, others full shade and some 50/50, this means that the sunlight available to the garden will determine the plant selection.

Soil and moisture is another defining factor in plant selection. Most pants require moist but well drained soil. One garden can have many different soil types, at one end the soil can be extremely moisture retentive, and another area very free draining. This is why multiple soil tests at different points on a site is so important, it allows us to understand the garden and manipulate the planting choice to fit the specific environment.

Hardiness refers to the plants ability to withstand cold temperatures and survive. Some plants can withstand snow and extreme cold, while others are tender and require warm environments. These tender plants will need protection during the UK’s cold winter or they will die.

The ultimate height and spread of a plant will need to be taken into consideration, in conjunction with the size of the site and its surroundings. The plant needs to be in proportion with the site to ensure cohesion once mature and established.

There are many different types of plants; annual plants flower once, set seeds and then die, biennial plants have a two year lifespan, perennials can live and flower for many years, deciduous trees and shrubs give seasonal interest, while evergreen trees and shrubs add colour to the garden all year around. Balancing these different types of plants in a design is key in guaranteeing year long interest. Don't forget about adding in some bulbs for spring colour, and pollen for our pollinating friends.

Interest refers to what is striking about the plant, this can be anything from flowers, bark, stem colour, fruit, seeds, silhouette, leaf colour , fragrance, and texture to name a few. It is a good idea to use a few of these interest elements in a design to move the visitor’s eye, create curiosity and hold attention where desired.

Different plants require different levels of care, and the plants chosen for a site will depend on the maintenance the gardener is willing/able to give as well as their plant knowledge.

By taking these principles into consideration you can ensure a cohesive, interesting planting plan which works beautifully with the local environment, and also supports wildlife.

Written by Kim Graham