Creating a beautiful garden in Florence, OR, can be exciting. Mistakes that create extra work and problems later are easy to make. It’s best to select plants native to the area for the garden, like rhododendrons, that thrive in the Oregon weather and survive the wet winters and dry summers. Not only are these plants suited for the soil and weather, but you are also assured that they aren’t noxious weeds that take over the area, choking out the natural vegetation. If you plant rhododendrons, you’ll be ready for the annual Rhododendron Festival in Florence.

Decide the garden type and choose a color scheme.

What type of garden do you want? Is it a formal garden, cottage garden, pollinator, or other type? Have you picked a color scheme, or are you opting for a rainbow of colors? Some believe sticking with three colors in one area or bed creates a cohesive appearance. An informal cottage garden style uses many colors to achieve that look. A monochromatic color scheme tends to be more formal. Do you want to use flowers or plants with showy foliage? When choosing plants, check the sunshine required.

The size and placement of the plant make a difference.

Plants of various heights, widths, textures, and shapes add interest to the garden and create an artistic appeal. Taller plants go toward the back or in the center. If the leaves of a plant are thin, place them next to a plant with broader leaves. Consider the texture of the plant leaves you put next to each other. Do you get full or partial sun, or is your garden shady? Some plants love the sun, others don’t. While the rhododendrons love the sun, hostas don’t.

What type of soil do you have?

Knowing your soil type is vital for healthy garden plants. Some plants prefer more acidic soil, and others like their soil on the alkaline side. Florence soil tends to be more acidic, although it varies from area to area. Decide how much you want to do to maintain your garden. Some plants require constant attention. Others are easy-care.

• Do you like to do a different garden each year, or are you planting one that will continue for years? That will determine whether you’ll purchase annuals or perennials that come back every year.
• Look for plants that offer more than summer beauty. Intermix plants that have something to offer at different times of the year. It might be bright foliage and berries during the winter or ones that flower at different times.
• Intermix annuals and perennials. Annuals often have longer blooming times and are less expensive. They grow and fill in the space quickly. Perennials return every year and are frequently larger than annuals when mature.
• Does a feature like a fountain fit into your budget? Do you want a sensory garden offering varied scents, like cinnamon basil, intermixed with flowers and varied visual and tactile experiences?

For more information, contact us today at Mason Prociw Landscape