Here are nine considerations we use when selecting appropriate plant material for your
new landscape project:
Size - mature vs. functional - how much trimming do you want to do?
Shape - should complement existing structures and other plantings.
Structure - select deciduous plantings can add winter interest with branching patterns.
Details - look at bark and leaves (don't forget fall color) as well as flowers and
fruits.
Flowers/fruits - complementary colors, length and timing of blooming/fruiting periods,
bird/bee attraction and fragrance.
Hardiness - Climate zone, shade and wind tolerance, soil and water requirements,
susceptibility to insect, salt and pollution damage.
Cultivars - careful selection can provide better hardiness (i.e., towards climate,
insects), better interest such as flowers, fruit and fall color.
Maintenance - Depends largely upon thought put into size, shape and hardiness factors.
Consider also placement of thorny plants, litter problems, care of flowerbeds,
accessibility of lawnmower, weed control.
Function - What is needed? - shade, protection from NW winter wind, channeling of
southwest summer breezes, screening or framing of views both on and off of site, erosion
control, and space definition.
