It’s that time of year again when we start to think about buying plants for our gardens. Some of us will need just a few things to fill in blank spots. Others will be looking for annuals or vegetable starts to put in hanging baskets or raised beds. And a few very lucky gardeners will be shopping for lots of plants for a new garden bed.
There are a few things every gardener should strive for when shopping for plants. First, know what area you will be planting. Be aware of the growing conditions in that area. Is the soil sandy or clay? Do you need any amendments before you plant? Does the area get full sun, part sun or shade? And if its shade, is high shade or deep shade? High shade to me means under a tall tree so that lots of light can still get to the plants but not direct, scorching sunlight. Deep shade is what you find in a thick forest where almost no light gets to the plants. Not much grows in truly deep shade, but there are a few forest natives that prefer a deep shade with lots of humus-rich soil.
Once you know your area, try to figure out how many plants will be needed to fill it. Sometimes doing a sketch helps with this. Do you like things crowded together in a cottage garden style or do you prefer to have lots of space between plants that you will cover in mulch? There is no right or wrong answer to this question; strictly a matter of taste.
Try to make a shopping list and stick to it. Not easily done once you get to a nursery, I know. Seeing all sorts of new plant introductions in vignettes in the shops makes you want to replicate that at home. And I don’t blame you. But look closer: sometimes those sample planters are crammed with plants and it would take you all summer to achieve that same look. Not to mention oodles of fertilizer and water. I know when I go to a nursery and look at a flat of annuals, I always love how rich and full they all look together. Take one or two out of the flat, though, and the effect can be ruined.
This actually happened to my former sister-in-law quite a few years ago when she so loved the look of a flat of pansies that she planted the whole thing, plastic and all, in the ground. Worked fine for her and it was easy to remove at the end of the season. She did have a big rectangular hole in her garden all winter, though. And the pansies probably didn't do as well as they would have had they had room in the ground to spread out their roots.
But I digress. Back to the nursery. Perhaps it would be a better list if it was more general. For example, if you knew you wanted seven pink-flowered perennials for a shaded area, that’s all you would need to put on your list: “7 shade perennials, pink, 8-10” high and wide.” That way you could see what the nurseries have before having your heart set on one type of pink perennial and not being able to find it in the shops.
When you are shopping, pull several plants away from the others on the shelves so you can see their form. I almost always set a few aside and choose “the best one” from those. And what I consider “best” may not suit everyone’s needs. I look for a full plant without straggling leaves or stems, one that is growing straight (if it is, by nature, supposed to do that) and no wilting or dead leaves. Watch for roots poking out of the bottom as that may indicate it is root bound and will have a hard time growing in the soil. I also look for plants with lots of flower buds -but not necessarily blooms - on them. Some perennials will bloom once and then not again until the following year. No use getting a plant that has already bloomed in the nursery. However, this means you are relying on the plant tags for the blossom colors. Reputable nurseries are adept at matching the proper tag with the plant. They wouldn’t be long in business if they didn’t.
And while we are talking about nurseries, don’t be afraid to ask questions of the people who work there. They should know their stock and if they don’t, maybe it’s time to try somewhere else. Even if they are busy, they should be willing to take the time to show you what they have and how it fits into your needs.
Perhaps a good place to start this year’s plant shopping is at the Tillamook County Master Gardener’s Plant Sale on Saturday, May 6th at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds. The hours are 9 AM to 1 PM and there will be lots of Master Gardeners there to help you find what you are looking for. There will also be a general information booth at the sale where we will try to answer your questions and solve your problems. Plus, there is always a nice selection from vendors as well as a "garage sale" of lightly used gardening tools and yard art. I will also be there signing copies of my new book "Four Seasons in the Pacific Northwest Coastal Garden." Stop by and say hello.
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