Selecting the right plants for your landscape projects will greatly reduce frustration and maintenance requirements. Consider the following points when choosing plants for your garden:

* Select hardy, pest and disease-resistant varieties for minimal maintenance.
* Choose plants suited to your area’s climate zone. The Okanagan Valley zone is 4/5.
* Carefully consider the various sites in your garden (sun exposure, soil type, drainage and rainfall), then select plants that will thrive in each environment.
* Determine the mature size of the plant before you position it in your garden to ensure it has adequate space to grow to full size, and consider whether the mature plant will be appropriate for your long-term landscape plan.
* Consider the plants’ seasonal aspects: bulbs are spectacular in the spring; annuals, perennials and flowering shrubs show best in the summer; and maples provide dazzling colour in the fall. Try to create seasonal balance in your landscape.
*Native plants are increasingly being used in home landscapes. Planted in appropriate sun exposure, soil and moisture conditions, native plants also provide habitat for many other organisms, conserve water and soil, and are low maintenance.

Lastly, consider purchasing local grown plant materials as they are generally better acclimatized than imported plants.

Garden quote:

"Gardening is about enjoying the smell of things growing in the soil, getting dirty without feeling guilty, and generally taking the time to soak up a little peace and serenity."

Lori

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