You’ve prepped the soil, built the paths, and studied the sun. Now, finally, it’s time to choose and install the plants that will bring your landscape to life.
Chapter 16 returns to the green stuff. Owen Dell covers the fundamentals of sustainable planting – from selecting healthy specimens to putting them in the ground for success.
What makes a plant “sustainable”? Dell lists three criteria: 1) It thrives in your climate without excessive water or fertilizer. 2) It’s not invasive (check your state’s noxious weed list). 3) It provides ecological benefit – food for pollinators, shelter for birds, or carbon storage. A plant that meets none of these is just decoration, and decoration isn’t enough.
Where to buy plants? Avoid big‑box stores, which often sell chemically‑grown, non‑native plants in plastic pots. Instead, seek out local native plant nurseries, plant swaps, or mail‑order specialists. Better yet, propagate your own from cuttings or seeds – Dell includes a simple guide to starting seeds in recycled containers.
How to plant: Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. The root flare (where roots meet trunk) should sit at or slightly above soil level. Backfill with native soil – no amendments, no fertilizer. This encourages roots to venture out. Water deeply at planting time, then mulch with 2‑3 inches of wood chips or leaf mold. Do not pile mulch against the stem (that causes rot).
When to plant: In most climates, fall and early winter are best. The soil is still warm enough for root growth, but the air is cool, reducing water stress. Spring planting is fine, but you’ll need to water more. Avoid summer planting entirely – too much heat stress.
Dell also covers container gardening for renters or small spaces, and the importance of “hardening off” (gradually acclimating greenhouse‑grown plants to outdoor conditions). Plant with care, and you’ll be rewarded with vigorous, resilient growth.
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