| 1. KNOW YOUR ZONE - Check the U. S. Dept. of Agriculture hardiness zone map to find your zone, such as Zone 5. (Click on the Plant Hardiness Map tab above.) |
| 2. CHECK PLANT HARDINESS - Check the cold hardiness info for plants you are considering. Plants listing a hardiness zone number that are the same or lower than your zone will normally survive your average winter. Plants with zones higher than yours are good for seasonal color only or will need protection in winter. |
| 3. OBSERVE SUN PATTERNS - Watch your landscape to see where the sun hits and where it is shaded at various times of the day. "Full sun" plants need at least six hours of direct sun per day; "part sun" plants need filtered sun all day or just a few hours of direct sun, and "shade" plants prefer bright shaded areas with no sun. |
| 4. WATERING REQUIREMENTS - For ease of maintenance, match the plant's need for water with your conditions. Moisture loving plants will perform well in damp areas, while drought tolerant varieties prefer dry or sandy conditions. |
| 5. GROWTH HABIT - When planning space for your new plant, allow room for its mature size. Plant a safe distance from foundations (minimum of 10 feet for trees), avoid sewer and septic systems and watch out for overhead power lines. Also, heights and widths listed for a plant indicate average mature size, but actual plant size will vary based on its climate, sun exposure, maintenance and age. |
This extra time spent in evaluating your choices will payoff with lower maintenance and a landscape that will appreciate for many years to come.
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