How to Choose a Garden PlantGarden plants bring color, structure and variety to outdoor spaces. Trees, perennials, and shrubs provide interest to the garden year-round.Many popular [1] [2] garden plants require sun for growth. Learn about the importance of soil types, space and other garden features when deciding which plants to plant in a sunny spot. Also, find out the best methods to start seeds and to transplant.ShrubsThere's a tree that will suit any garden. They offer year-round structure, a range of leaves, colors and fruits. They can be used as a ground cover or as a backdrop for flowers or to create a hedge. They are also simple to maintain and provide a natural setting for wildlife.Shrubs are perennial woody plants with multiple stems that don't die to the ground in winter (as many herbaceous plants do). They can be upright like forsythia and lilacs, or they can lay flat on the ground like the evergreen camellia. The height of a shrub is usually less than 13 feet. However, some experts recommend a lower limit of 10 feet. Taller ones are referred to as trees.In general, they grow slower than trees and are more round. They can be shaped by annual pruning or left to develop naturally. They are suitable for small gardens in areas with limited space.Many of the shrubs produce stunning blooms like camellias, which can bring a touch of class to the winter garden. Their showy blossoms come in shades of white, pink or red. Spring brings colour to the garden thanks to the blooming azalea, flowering shadbush, and forsythia. Rhododendrons are available in colors and scents during the summer.Low-maintenance plants include the holly juniper, Japanese boxwood and inkberry which are great as hedges or an accent in the landscape. Inkberry shrubs, in particular, offer stunning, deep green foliage and are a favorite of bees, who pollinate the flowers and produce a sweet form of honey known as gallberry honey.There are also plants that require little maintenance for their scent. They include lavender and chamomile. The latter is a well-known herb with properties that relax and can be used as a herbal remedy to reduce anxiety and stress, as well as reduce headaches, and aid in digestion. Mint is a different low-maintenance plant that is renowned for its refreshing flavor and medicinal properties. Its antiseptic properties, as well as its anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties can help to treat stomach upset. The leaves are then brewed into tea to soften minor cuts and abrasions, and ease the symptoms of indigestion.TreesIn many cultures trees have been revered for long periods of time. They can last for hundreds of years and have a significant impact on the environment. They provide shade and shelter as well as food for wildlife, and also improve the appearance of homes and gardens. When choosing a tree select one that's in proportion with your house and location. Avoid trees that have messy seed pods or fruit or twigs that shed often.As with all plants trees produce their own food via the process known as photosynthesis. They absorb carbon dioxide from air and water through their leaves, combining them with chlorophyll to create sugars and oxygen. This occurs in special cells known as stomates inside the leaf. The plant then transports these chemicals through a network of tubes called xylem or Phloem to the rest of its plant.The crown is the uppermost part of an plant. It is made of branches and leaves and it protects the roots from sun. The crown also absorbs sunlight's energy (photosynthesis) to keep cool and evaporates excess water through its leaves.Because of their size, trees have deep roots, which aid in their stability in snow and wind. They also aid in preventing erosion by securing soil in the right place. Trees are the backbone of our natural ecosystem, helping to moderate climate by absorbing and exchanging carbon dioxide, filtration of water and removing odors. They are also able to absorb pollutants and reduce the amount of nitrogen dioxide, sulfur oxygen, carbon dioxide and other harmful gases.A variety of species of trees have distinct shapes. They may have large round crowns that create dense shade, or narrow, oval crowns which are more airy and open. There are also species that have an egg-like appearance, and others with broad with rounded tops, such as oaks horse chestnuts, and maples. Some have a slim open-headed look with a canopy that resembles an umbrella similar to hackberries or elms, as well as zelkovas.Trees are divided into three botanical groups: the ferns (including tree ferns) and gymnosperms like conifers and cycads as well as angiosperms including flowering plants. Many of the characteristics that distinguish gymnosperms and ferns from other woody species, such as their cambium and tuberous root systems are found in other categories.VinesVines can make a garden look more attractive by adding interest to shady areas and hiding unsightly fences. They soften walls or structure and create a stunning frame around entrances or windows. They add an attractive shade and add a flow of flowers that flows towards the top of an incline or bank. They can also be used to camouflage an area that is primarily for use in utility and to block a powerful breeze from seating areas.There are more than 30 varieties of vines, but the majority fall into four categories based on how they climb. Twiners, which use a wrap around some type of support, include clematis honeysuckle, and wisteria. Twiners also divide into two groups: those that twine clockwise, and those who twine counterclockwise. Climbing figs Virginia creepers and philodendrons belong to the plants that attach themselves to structures with tendrils.The same principles apply to planting woody ornamentals as well. Before selecting a vine examine the site of growth including the soil's condition and light exposure. Vine growth requires regular pruning once established to maintain the desired look.It is recommended to prune at the same time you fertilize. This will prevent the accumulation of nutrient-salts and encourage vigorous growth.The amount of pruning you need will depend on the type of plant, the environment and your energy level. If you don't want to spend the majority of your time looking after your trellises by herbicide or loppers, choose a moderately growing vine like Dutchman's pipe or crossvine. Think about a fast-growing, but hardy vine like American bittersweet. It produces bright red berries which keep their color throughout the winter landscape.Use tie clips to train perennials such as sweet pea vines and clematis. They will remain in your garden for many years. Rubber ties are ideal because they won't cut stems when they expand. For annual vines, such as runner beans, hyacinth bean or morning glory tie them to the structure using string or yarn that isn't too tight. If necessary, you can also tie the vine to a teepee using wire or string, but be sure not to overstrain the plant.ContainersContainers allow gardeners to add color and interest to the landscape of their home without occupying space in a yard or patio. Containers can be used to cultivate various plants, including vegetables, plants, and flowers. It is important to comprehend the needs of the plant as well as the type of container required. A container can be anything that holds soil and is large enough to support the plant's roots and provide adequate drainage. This could be terracotta pots, wooden half-barrels window boxes, baskets and buckets, as well as old gardening equipment or cooking pots.Container plantings require more frequent watering than those planted in the ground. This is due to a small root system and the drying effects of direct sunlight in summer afternoons. The containers must be able to drain properly to avoid the accumulation of moisture that can lead disease and rot.The addition of organic materials like coco coir, peat or compost, to the bottom of the container will aid in keeping moisture in the soil. The OM can also be an energy source. Regularly watering the container in order to moisten all of the soil and allowing the container to drain completely will allow the plants to flourish.The soil mix used to fill the container must be draining, particularly in hot temperatures. It is recommended to select a mixture that has some form of organic matter, such as crushed leaves or rotted manure together with some coarse, granular materials, such as sand to improve drainage and ensure a consistent soil texture.Supporting vines in containers with a trellis could be beneficial. This can keep them from becoming too heavy and falling over. It is essential to shield containers from rain and wind because they can be easily affected by rain or wind and can get muddy quickly.Fertilizing is recommended every few weeks because the soil in a pot does not contain many nutrients. This is best done during the initial soil mixture stage. In this stage, you can add 1 cup of organic general-purpose fertilizer, such as 5-3-4 or liquid emulsion fish.