Many of these plants are bought on impulse as we like the look of them and while there is nothing wrong with this, their placement can be often an afterthought. This is where the planning of a garden comes in.
It cannot be overemphasised how a bit of time spent at the beginning can make a huge difference to the outcome of the whole garden.
Whether you are starting a new garden from scratch or just renovating an existing area, spend some time looking at the garden and jotting down some notes.
Take into account the amount of shade or sun, any existing plants you want to keep and possibly even develop a little sketch.
You can go as far as testing the soil to help determine what will survive but just a simple digging-over will help you find out whether it is a wet or dry spot.
When you have decided on the type and style of garden, it is time to start thinking about the plants. Choose plants you like but that will also survive well in your conditions.
Although it may be tempting to try plants unsuitable to your garden's conditions, it can be like throwing money away.
To hear more about starting a garden, tune in to In the Garden every second Friday (next broadcast is on August 1) at 10am on 105.4FM and 1575AM, streaming live or podcast on www.oar.org.nz.
-Dylan Norfield is the collection curator of the geographic and arboretum collection at Dunedin Botanic Garden.
