Right Plant, Right Place
Good landscape design hinges on one basic concept—the right plant in the right place. Careful planning and site evaluation are the first steps in applying this concept. The following checklists will guide you through some important considerations and decisions you should make when designing a landscaped area.
Resist (for now) the temptation to rush out and purchase plants. That will come later! If you have an in-ground sprinkler system, or are planning to put one in, make sure the designs for the landscape and sprinkler system match each other.
South Carolina is a diverse state which includes several climatic zones. Soil types, temperature ranges and rainfall patterns differ dramatically from region to region. It's important to remember that a plant that thrives in a friend's yard on the coast may freeze in your yard just a few miles inland. Different conditions often exist in the same yard. The front yard may be high and dry, while the backyard may be poorly drained and soggy.
Once you know your site conditions and have decided how you will use your yard, you are ready to begin with the step of plant selection. The Cooperative Extension Service has resources to help you with your selections. Prioritize your landscape projects, and then work on them one at a time.
Resources for choosing the right plant in the right place:
- Carolina Yard Actions Checklist
- Five Steps to Landscape Design
- Top Five Common Mistakes in Landscape Plantings
Additional Resources: