The vast number of lovely plants to choose for tropical gardens can be overwhelming for Sydney’s gardeners. With such a broad range of selection, you can transform a small patch of soil different floral masterpieces. However, when you have a specific design in mind, you can significantly narrow-down plant selection and landscape choices.
Whether you want a tropical, native, or a drought-tolerant garden, it is vital to consider the flowers, foliage colour, and the brilliant effects of mass planting. With the help of these factors, you can choose plants that will guarantee an aesthetically pleasing garden all year-round.
In that regard, here are tips you can use in plant selection and design for your garden.
Types of Trees
Your garden is a haven of thriving and growing organisms, and trees are no exemptions. Besides, if you plant a tree in the wrong spot, it can cause severe and expensive problems along the road.
Furthermore, many trees are slow growers, so you’ll have to wait for years to achieve ideal results. Because it takes patience to grow one, you don’t want to get disappointing results after the waiting game is over.
Additionally, trees are classified in many ways. Some garden-ideal examples include:
- Evergreen trees
- Fast-growing trees
- Flowering trees
- Fall-foliage trees
- Dwarf trees
As a tip, be sure to understand what to expect before growing one. Other plants that need long-term considerations are garden shrubs.
Garden Shrubs
Many gardeners love the look of a flourishing shrub adjacent to their home. But just like trees, you should be careful in selecting the right plant. Certain shrubs are practical for foundation plantings because they grow compact, thereby minimising maintenance.
Similar to trees, we can classify garden shrubs into different categories such as:
- Fall-foliage shrubs
- Flowering shrubs
- Evergreen shrubs
Moreover, you can organise shrubs based on how you use them. The most common shrub for all gardens is roses. Pleasing for the eyes and nose alike, roses can complement almost any garden design and are suited for sub-tropical climates, just like other native shrubs.
Plant Selection for Vines
You can incorporate life to your trellis and fence by introducing native vines. Even more so than with garden shrubs, vines are versatile and vigorous.
Additionally, many native plants have low maintenance levels, but many of them are invasive vines. Some vines actively creep that they can disrupt other plants’ growth and become a garden nightmare. Others such as the Lilac Vine (Happy Wanderer) only needs little watering but should also be pruned when encroaching upon a pathway or other plants.
Types of Ground Covers
Ground covers are essential in every garden design. Not only are they soft to walk on, but these foliage plants also keep the ground cool and are useful in conserving moisture. When properly established, ground covers will help prevent weeds from sprouting, making them a viable alternative to mulching.
Speaking of foliage, even though ground covers do not boast stunning floral displays, they have attractive foliage that paints a uniform colour on your garden. Some popular examples are Thyme and Mondo grass, which are excellent for all sorts of landscape.
Also, while you’re at it, why not throw in a few annuals with your ground covers?
Types of Annuals
Planting annuals in your garden marks the start of a season-long show of dazzling flowers and foliage. Annuals thrive through the growing seasons, unfolding its spectacular colours until the arrival of frost.
Besides that, people usually grow annuals for:
- Plant beddings
- Seasonal garden decors (such as Christmas day)
- Providing floral displays on-demand
On the other hand, some annuals thrive in cooler seasons such as Forget-me-not while others prefer a bit of summer sizzle, like the Red Salvia. But if you have long-term goals for your garden, consider growing perennials.
Kinds of Perennials
Perennials are the core of many low-maintenance garden landscapes because unlike annuals, you don’t have to replenish them every year. But while they are easy-care, they aren’t maintenance-free.
Besides, you can keep your perennial patch robust and healthy by dividing the plants. It also results in a melody of colours when perennials are in full bloom.
Similar to others, perennials can be categorised as follows:
- Tall perennials
- Short perennials
- Long-blooming perennials
Run your creativity wild and experiment with the plant combinations and garden landscape. If you are asking for more, here are follow-up tips that might help you:
Other Tips for Plant Selection and Design
Depending on your garden location, other considerations in plant selection and design cut across external factors such as pests, environment, and neighbourhood activity.
Furthermore, soil quality and seaside communities also affect plant growth. When it comes to planting selection and design, the possibilities are endless. So if you think these external factors are in between you and your dream garden, you should seek help from reliable gardening partners.
For all your garden needs, Trees Down Under is the right partner in achieving the beauty of your green space to its full extent. You can trust us in making your dream garden a reality.
Call us now on 0475 463 597, and we’ll immediately respond with a free quote. We are the perfect solution to all your budget-friendly garden and landscaping needs.
