Finding the right plants is one of the most transformative steps you can take for your garden. At the same time, it can also become a challenging part of landscaping. To an extent, finding the perfect plants for your garden is trial and error. Here are some ways you can approach the task and enjoy some success.

Understand Your Space

Like people, plants need space to grow and thrive. Just how much space your plants will need will vary. However, if you're overly ambitious, you may leave them competing for nutrients and your landscaping efforts will fail. Begin by measuring out the spaces where you intend to plant. Once you understand what space is available, you can begin choosing plants that match it and avoid over-ordering.

Know Your Soil

The types of plants that will thrive in your garden will also depend on the soil that's there. Even knowing how acidic the soil is can significantly increase your chances of discovering what will bloom. pH soil test kits are easy to use and understand, so it's worth trying one. You should also educate yourself on whether the soil is clay, sandy, peaty, or chalky. If learning about soil becomes confusing, it's worth hiring a landscaper to give you a head start. 

Your Garden's Direction

Which direction does your garden face? Knowing whether it's north, south, east, or west also plays a big part in choosing the right plants. While some plants want hour upon hour of sun throughout the day, others wither in the face of too much sunlight. Fortunately, figuring out your garden's aspect is quite simple. You can either use a compass app on your phone or you can buy a low-cost real compass.

Your Time Constraints

How much time do you have to dedicate to your garden? Some plants have complex needs and may demand more attention than you can give. You may even feel as though you want a garden that's likely to thrive on its own. When choosing plants, try to look beyond the aesthetics and consider whether you can give them the attention they need. When you focus on a garden that's self-sufficient, you may feel grateful for it in the future.

Overall, a lot of work can go into finding the right plants for your garden. If you're struggling, it's worth using a landscaping service. A landscaper can soon figure out what your garden needs and they'll help you achieve the aesthetic you want too. Look into landscaping services near you.