The first step in the plant selection process is to identify your personal objectives. For example, are you looking to create an oasis paradise or a beautiful xeriscape? Would you like an edible fruit or vegetable garden or a play area for pets or children?
Don’t forget about a party and entertainment area or a nature-scape with soothing water and stone features,. You can’t go wrong with sitting areas and walkways. Don’t forget to include a vivid display of flowers, bringing beauty and pure aromas, along with attraction for beautiful birds, including songbirds and hummingbirds.
Is privacy a consideration? Do you want year-round color? Or, perhaps you want a combination of the above – incorporated with your own unique needs, preferences, and style.
After you identify your objectives and general theme, then consider your overall budget. In instances where there are budget considerations, younger plants (as opposed to more expensive, larger, mature plants) can often be chosen, and all it will require from you is a little more time and patience for your landscape or garden to fully manifest its potential.
Landscape Plants and Design
At this point, a general design with actual plant selection comes into play. It is highly recommended to choose plants that are either indigenous or adaptive to the low desert here in Phoenix. A favorite plant that grew well for you on the east coast, or in the Midwest, for example, may not survive here. There are some plants for landscaping that thrive on direct sunlight and heat, while others cannot tolerate full sun but thrive in partial sun or shade.
A common mistake is choosing a tree or shrub that eventually becomes too large, relative to its original placement and intent. For optimum plant health and viability, it also may be important to have different watering cycles or zones – as trees, grass, cacti, shrubs, and pots can all have different watering needs.
Choosing the rights plants for your garden