When travelling around the island, I always take an interest when I see a new property being developed or an old one being refurbished, as to the choice of plant being material used, which will to a great extent, dictate how the garden is to be maintained.

Poor selection and choice of material will continue to be the bane of the owner, as long as the plant survives. Plants like people need their space, a simple enough statement, but the veracity is all too obvious, labour is time and time is money. To use the same analogy, plants like people outgrow their surroundings. However, people have the option to move out, plants by their very nature take root.

Bermuda's climate is certainly changeable, especially in the autumn/winter months, but we still manage to grow plants to a reasonable level when the area is protected from the elements.

Trees should be grown as trees, flowering plants allowed to flower, and fast growing plants placed in areas which will accommodate their growth.

It is with these examples that an understanding of plant type is required, if we are not to fall into the trap of becoming masters of topiary.

When designing or redesigning a property, or even just adding a few additional plants, it is best to determine the choice of material by asking the question, "what do I want the plant to do?"

Let us take this further. Whatever the choice; consideration should also be given to growth association, and as a plus, look at the attributes of the plant in general. If one is looking for flowering shrubs, gather information on their growth rates, flowering habits, are they hardy or tender, do they like sun or shade, do they have attractive seeds or fruits, are they evergreen and will they grow well in Bermuda?

Growth association refers to a plant's relationship with the surrounding plants, will it outgrow one of its neighbours, does it flower at the same time as those around it, and will the colours be compatible. If your choice is a fast grower, how long will it be before it receives its first haircut; if the answer is quickly and often, one must consider if the selection is worthy of consideration.

Constant pruning not only reduces the flowering habit, but also will in time have an adverse effect on the life of the plant. A perfect example of poor selection is the planting of a hibiscus or plant of a similar nature, under a window, of course in no time flat, the plant needs topping so one can close the blinds, or even keep the view.

As we spend a great deal of spring through the Autumn in and around the garden, it makes sense to select material that will flower at some time throughout this period, whilst keeping in mind the need to have the garden showing activity throughout the year in general. Plants vary in their flowering habit, with some having a short blooming period, whilst others can have several flushes throughout the growing season. Exposure is an important factor when choosing material; exposed areas are difficult in winter months, as salt spray and windburn become a problem. It is therefore important to use more of the hardy architectural material in these areas, and compliment them with other material in protected areas.

Sun and shade are also important factors to take into consideration with plant selection, many shrubs preferring the cooling effect of a canopied tree or larger neighbour. In many instances, the root cause is lack of water when plants need it most, during the growing season. This is where plant association is helpful in the design concept, by creating a tiered effect in large beds, with foliage acting as a cooling agent.

Seeds and fruit often linger well after blooming is finished, and become an added feature in the garden well into the "off" season, thus creating an extended season to the property. In reference to my opening paragraph, the above points will save on wasted labour, time and effort, and give a more mature look to a property in a much quicker time. I have noticed several properties in the Southampton area, which I believe to be examples of "poor inspiration".

One area in particular has in a postage stamp area, five plants, when one specimen plant with surrounding ground cover would have made an impact.

The present planting has five different plants all with the potential of filling the area on their own. Another property seems to be in a state of flux, with hillsides being dotted with a mixture of material, with no sense of direction as to what and why the end result will be.

The result? In a few years time, nothing will have been gained by today's exercise, and the growing pains will continue.