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Selecting
The Right Plants for Your Yard Have you ever brought home a gorgeous plant and planted it with high hopes, then watched it scorch to death or frost to a crisp? Who hasn't? Choosing a plant that will work in our particular climate isn't easy. We have the potential for severe frosts in winters and live in a blast furnace during the summers. Frequently, you find all kinds of luscious and appealing plants for sale, but how do you know if they are appropriate for planting here? The solution is easy! Before you spend another dollar on plants, buy a copy of the Sunset Western Garden Book, and carry it with you when you shop for plants. This book is recognized as the ultimate guide to Western plants, and is often available for reference where plants are sold. To use the book all you need to know is the plant's botanical name, which is printed on the plant tag, and our Sunset zone, which is 8 in Visalia, 9 in foothill towns. Then read about the plant and find out whether it will grow where you plan to plant it (the correct light, water, and soil conditions) and if it has the shape, ultimate size, and color you are looking for. A little research before you buy can save you a lot of money, work, worry, and frustration after you buy. Now make sure you choose a healthy plant. Check if it is rootbound. Do you see a lot of roots growing out of the bottom of the pot? Or worse, do you have to rip it loose from the ground to pick it up? If so, then that plant has been in the pot too long and is better left where it is. Inspect the crown of the plant (where the soil meets the plant stem) and look to see if any roots are circling or kinked. If so, then choose another specimen. Is the pot full of nasty weeds, like oxalis? Now look at the foliage. Does it appear free of bugs and diseases? Do the leaves look bright and healthy? Is there some new growth? These are signs that the plant has been well cared for and is ready to make the transition to your garden. Next look at the overall shape. Is it started in the direction you hope it to go? Is it vigorous and bushy? If it's a tree, does it already have a straight trunk and good branching established? Is there any damage to the trunk? Check where it is tied to the stake. Has it rubbed and girdled, or cut through, the bark? That's bad news. Remember to always cut the tree from the stake as soon as you plant it. If needed, use two stakes with loose rubber ties to stake the tree. Experts say a lot of damage can occur when you're transporting plants. Smaller plants can be stood upright or laid carefully on their sides to minimize breakage, then packed with blankets to make sure they don't roll around. Trees should be laid down with tops wrapped to make sure they aren't bald by the time you pull into the driveway! Instead of driving home on the highway with your new trees flapping in the wind, try taking the scenic route home and drive a little slower. If you are buying a super big load the nursery will often deliver your plants to your door. So next time you need a plant, don't just grab the first
pretty face you see -- spend a little time and thought in your
selection and you'll have a much better chance for a long and
healthy relationship!
March 18, 2004 |