While the type of garden one chooses to grow is a matter of choice, this article will provide ideas on what to consider when getting started with a garden so that whatever one's choices are, they are better presented, hardier and well situated. The best plants to grow in a garden vary on several factors as flowers, and plant arrangement are very much like an art. How one weaves colors and textures into a tapestry or mosaic upon the canvas of a yard is probably different every time. However, from one gardener to another or one gardener to a potential gardener what can be of assistance are a few useful pointers to make sure what one plants will prosper and flourish. These pointers are as follows:

Climate:

One of the most important aspects of planting and/or sowing seeds is knowing what climate a plant can grow in. North America is divided into what agriculturalists know as hardiness zones. Many plants are produced and sold according to these hardiness zones however it is good to have a little knowledge about this beforehand so one can forecast how one's plants will do. A link to hardiness zones is provided with this article.

Location:

Where a plant is planted not only highlights that particular part of a yard but also affects the micro-climate in which it is growing. A micro-climate includes variations in temperature, water and soil that are specific to a particular area of a yard or location that don't necessarily fit into a hardiness zone category. For example, If one has an area of yard protected from wind by large trees on the North Side but that is also situated in a very sunny location with fertile soil these plants may prosper more than the same plants located in another part of the landscape. What's more, some plants require full sun while others prefer partial shade or all shade. Some great shade plants are Caladiums.

Appearance:

Color, texture, shape and size of a plant or flower can have a huge affect on the appearance of a yard. For example, Sunflowers grow quite tall and have large yellow to red flowers making it difficult to plant any other flowers amongst them. In other words where there are sunflowers, they will dominate that area because of their size and large flowers. Although some flowers dominate, smaller plants and flowers can be planted around rather than amongst these large plants to accent them. There are many, many possible arrangements of plants and flowers but it is generally a good idea to envision their appearance

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