Steps to Start Your New Garden - continue
3. Know Your Soil Type:
Soil texture affects how water drains and how well plants grow.
Clay soil:
Heavy, holds moisture longer — great for moisture-loving plants like Zantedeschia, Waterberry, and Papyrus.
Sandy soil:
Light, drains quickly — ideal for indigenous plants, succulents, and Mediterranean species such as Lavender, Aloes, and Olive trees.
Loam soil: The perfect balance — rich, crumbly, and holds just enough moisture.
Chalky soil: Stony, rocky and alkaline soil with larger particles than other soil types. It does not keep many nutrients and drains quickly.
Silty soil: Soft and soapy, holds moisture and is usually very rich in nutrients.
Peaty soil:
This soil is acidic and can be very wet. It is high in organic matter and can improve drainage in other soil types, but needs its acidity balanced for most plants.
Tip: Improve poor soil by adding humus or compost to boost nutrients and texture.
4. Consider Your Location:
Your region plays a huge role in plant choice:
Coastal areas: Deal with salty winds and sandy, nutrient-poor soil.
Use wind-tolerant hedges to temper breezes (but don’t block them completely).
Choose salt- and wind-resistant plants.
Inland areas: Often experience frost in winter.
Opt for frost-hardy plants that can handle cooler temperatures.
5. Choose Your Plants:
This is the fun part!
Spend some time exploring your local nursery:
Take notes and photos of the plants you like.
Snap a picture of the label for key details such as:
Preferred position (sun/shade)
Mature size (height and width)
Flower color and bloom time
Whether it’s evergreen or deciduous
3. Know Your Soil Type:
Soil texture affects how water drains and how well plants grow.
Clay soil:
Heavy, holds moisture longer — great for moisture-loving plants like Zantedeschia, Waterberry, and Papyrus.
Sandy soil:
Light, drains quickly — ideal for indigenous plants, succulents, and Mediterranean species such as Lavender, Aloes, and Olive trees.
Loam soil: The perfect balance — rich, crumbly, and holds just enough moisture.
Chalky soil: Stony, rocky and alkaline soil with larger particles than other soil types. It does not keep many nutrients and drains quickly.
Silty soil: Soft and soapy, holds moisture and is usually very rich in nutrients.
Peaty soil:
This soil is acidic and can be very wet. It is high in organic matter and can improve drainage in other soil types, but needs its acidity balanced for most plants.
Tip: Improve poor soil by adding humus or compost to boost nutrients and texture.
4. Consider Your Location:
Your region plays a huge role in plant choice:
Coastal areas: Deal with salty winds and sandy, nutrient-poor soil.
Use wind-tolerant hedges to temper breezes (but don’t block them completely).
Choose salt- and wind-resistant plants.
Inland areas: Often experience frost in winter.
Opt for frost-hardy plants that can handle cooler temperatures.
5. Choose Your Plants:
This is the fun part!
Spend some time exploring your local nursery:
Take notes and photos of the plants you like.
Snap a picture of the label for key details such as:
Preferred position (sun/shade)
Mature size (height and width)
Flower color and bloom time
Whether it’s evergreen or deciduous
🌿 Steps to Start Your New Garden - continue
3. Know Your Soil Type:
Soil texture affects how water drains and how well plants grow.
Clay soil:
Heavy, holds moisture longer — great for moisture-loving plants like Zantedeschia, Waterberry, and Papyrus.
Sandy soil:
Light, drains quickly — ideal for indigenous plants, succulents, and Mediterranean species such as Lavender, Aloes, and Olive trees.
Loam soil: The perfect balance — rich, crumbly, and holds just enough moisture.
Chalky soil: Stony, rocky and alkaline soil with larger particles than other soil types. It does not keep many nutrients and drains quickly.
Silty soil: Soft and soapy, holds moisture and is usually very rich in nutrients.
Peaty soil:
This soil is acidic and can be very wet. It is high in organic matter and can improve drainage in other soil types, but needs its acidity balanced for most plants.
💡 Tip: Improve poor soil by adding humus or compost to boost nutrients and texture.
4. Consider Your Location:
Your region plays a huge role in plant choice:
Coastal areas: Deal with salty winds and sandy, nutrient-poor soil.
Use wind-tolerant hedges to temper breezes (but don’t block them completely).
Choose salt- and wind-resistant plants.
Inland areas: Often experience frost in winter.
Opt for frost-hardy plants that can handle cooler temperatures.
5. Choose Your Plants:
This is the fun part! 🌸
Spend some time exploring your local nursery:
Take notes and photos of the plants you like.
Snap a picture of the label for key details such as:
Preferred position (sun/shade)
Mature size (height and width)
Flower color and bloom time
Whether it’s evergreen or deciduous
