Last month I discussed a selection of plant material worthy of consideration, for the garden in general. Of course, selection is based on numerous factors, as was borne out recently when I was asked to visit a site and comment on the work to date. Selection is oft made purely and simply on a cost basis with other criteria being flowering habit, size of plant in pot and recognition of the plant. The question of whether or not the plant is correct for the selected site is rarely if ever considered or asked!

The property I refer to above was a perfect example why problems occur. At first glance was enough to tell me that little if any thought had gone into the process of selection of plant material or indeed, the placement of the material and the installation of the plants. To break this out into individual points would perhaps assist in the understanding of each.

One of course could pose the question why selection was important, the answer my friend is not only blowing in the wind, but is a little deeper. The root of the problem is in many cases the problem. Roots in a similar fashion to the branch system, know no bounds, in fact both will continue to grow until an obstacle is put in their place. When this happens, the choice is simple, do something or do nothing. Is it wise to plant what has the potential to grow 30 to 40 feet in height with a similar size root and branch system next to a building, of course not, the answer, is borne out by selection. To argue that if pruned the plant stays in bounds does not hold water, as one has to ask what is ‘in bounds' and how do you control root growth, and for how long will it stay ‘in bounds', when its natural tendency is to grow. Symmetry is also a factor in selection, few plants having a ‘flat' symmetry therefore they need space in which to grow. Coupled with symmetry is height and width especially when considering the purchase of shrubs. If a plant has the potential height of five feet and four feet in width its parameters are known, it is therefore a fact that needs to be taken into consideration when locating it on site. With this knowledge in mind, it makes sense to plant it away from windows that have shutters, adjacent to the front or any door and at least four feet from any wall or other plant.

Placement as borne out by the last paragraphs comments, gives the plant a greater chance to grow and succeed. Selection is also important in this area, as climatic conditions will have a strong influence on the success or otherwise of the plant in question. Exposed areas will require plant hardiness to the elements, be it salt spray or wind, whereas, certain plants are sensitive to sun whilst others show intolerance to shade. These are all factors that need to be taken into consideration when starting the thought process of design. A prime example of incorrect placement is often found when planting palms. When purchased palms are in containers with small leaves (due to the age of the plant) and as they mature the leaves grow longer, as for example with Phoenix canariensis - Canary Island Date Palm. Even at the tender age of twelve years each leaf can attain a length of six to eight feet, as the formation of the leaves are in a whorl, the leaf spread then becomes 12 to 16 feet! How many times do you see footpaths and drives which have palms planted too close and consequently having their leaves chopped in half!! This criterion is the basis for all plants be they vigorous vines growing on a flimsy trellis, fast growing shrubs planted in small areas adjacent to paths, buildings, etc. and of course plants that are planted too close to each other in the shrub border.

Correct planting is perhaps one of the most abused rules in landscaping. Imagine if you are a 34 inch waist, and you are given a pair of trousers that are thirty-two inch. What happens is a similar situation to plant roots, the difference being that roots continue to grow and spread much quicker than a waistline. Roots are also the lifeline of the plant especially when it comes to intake of plant nutrients to feed the tree and keep it on course for future development, they also act as an anchor holding the tree in the ground during high winds. It is therefore essential to give the root system a large enough area to develop a strong system that will nurture the tree and hold it steady during times of distress. This is most important in rocky ground, and in fact becomes a decision of importance when the ground is comprised of heard rock, as to whether or not to plant. Soft rock is usually accommodating as it fractures with root growth, contingent on the roots being given the chance to develop a root system, which will enable it to sustain uninterrupted growth. A plant with a six foot diameter root ball will need a planting hole of between nine and ten foot diameter and a depth of five feet, contingent on the type of ground. On the other hand, a plant in a one-gallon container should have at least a two by two by two-foot deep hole. Landscaping mistakes can cost dearly down the road, which is just the time when the property should be maturing, labour is expensive, what you create you have to maintain, and then again who needs growing concerns.