Many times we buy plants on impulse then find there is nowhere in the garden that really suits them. Before buying plants carefully examine your garden to see how much sun and shade it gets, whether the soil is well drained or waterlogged and whether your aspect is sheltered or windswept. You’ll then be equipped to go and buy the best plants for your situation; shade-loving plants for the sheltered areas, sun-lovers for the warm spots, drought-resistant plants for the parched areas which may be either sunny or shaded, and swamp plants for the poorly-drained parts.

Hold on! A soil test can be a good idea to inform you what the pH is and if you should add specific nutrients. Most garden plants like a slightly acid ground, but some prefer alkaline soil. What is the reading for your soil ? While it is possible to change the pH of the ground it is far simpler to choose plants that will like the soil you have already.

OK you are keen to get planting. You are almost ready . Are you going to buy individual plants that you like or plan groups . If you choose individual plants your garden may look random. Group planting can be organized to to be color coordinated.