The Flower Shop Daisies

Do you like flowers? Well a lot of us do love flowers, and even some would go to an extent of buying the rarest the most expensive type of flower. But there are some that just wanted to be with flowers. Flowers are said to be the best gift of all, and why not, flowers are the perfect way of showing ones feelings towards the receiver, which is why flowers are widely used as a form of a gift.

In the Philippines, Philippine flower shops have been popping out like daisies across the country providing flowers to all the consumers. Philippine flower shops doesn’t only appear on the streets, because of the many benefits in marketing on the internet, online Philippine flower shops has been seen, and among them is the Flower Express’s Flowers Philippines.

The Flowers Philippines is a branch of Flower Express that, like any other online Philippine flower shops, is providing some of the most elegant and beautiful flowers locally and abroad.

The Flowers Philippines, like any other Philippine flower shops, provides their customers with a wide array of flowers and flower gifts such as Flowers Philippines Roses, Flowers Philippines Alstroemerias, Flowers Philippines Carnations, Flowers Philippines Ecuadorian Roses, Flowers Philippines Gerberas, Flowers Philippines Lilies, Flowers Philippines Orchids, Flowers Philippines Spring Flowers, Flowers Philippines Tulips and many more Flowers Philippines.

But unlike some of those online Philippine flower shops , the Flowers Philippines can provide a free delivery on all of its products. This has been made possible because Flower Express is owned and operated by eLBC Direct, Inc., an LBC company that is dedicated to providing Filipinos access to products and services apart from the traditional products offered by LBC.

Flowers Express the online Philippine flower shops offers free nationwide door-to-door delivery in 24 hours. Flowers Philippines online Philippine flower shops floral bouquets are encased in elegant yet sturdy packaging to ensure that the flowers arrive fresh to its destination. A flower care tips bookmark is enclosed so you can enjoy your flowers longer. A special Flowers Philippines greeting card is also included where you can write a personal message to your loved one.

Artificial Flower Arrangement

Flower arrangements can take the form of bouquets, centerpieces, or wreaths according to the occasion. The distinctiveness of the flower arrangement depends on the type of flowers used – apart from fresh flowers; there can be artificial flowers like silk flowers, custom silk flowers, dried flowers, candy flowers, edible flowers used in the floral arrangement.

During the 18th century the Italians were the pioneer in the artificial flower arrangement followed by the French. Today it is popular in England and America alike. The primary requirement for the artificial flower arrangements are- wire frames, ground clay, nylon netting, carved or shaped soap paper, painted linen, small shells and silkworm cocoons.
Some of the methods for preparing artificial flower arrangements are:

· Clay flower arrangements – Here ground clay is made into a paste by adding water. Colors are then applied to this modeling paste, which is shaped into flowers by a skilled craftsman.

· Soap flower arrangements – In this method a bar with layered colored soap is amassed on a lathe to produce a circular groove. This floral arrangement is symmetric and regular.

· Cloth and paper flower arrangement – Here different fabrics and materials are given the shape of leaves and flowers. Next with the help of a dye, the veins of the leaves are impressed on the arrangement. They are then assembled on a brass or iron stalk.
The convenience of dried flower arrangement is that they can be altered according to one’s choice. A bit of concern is required while choosing the color, texture and shape of the flowers. To enhance the beauty of a dried flower arrangement the container and the color of the room should be kept in mind.
The most common options for dried flower arrangements are:

1. Floral tree – an entire tree of dried flowers can be designed complete with real branches and a cone shaped piece of dry foam for the top. The container is filled with plaster of Paris and the tree trunk can be covered with moss. The arrangement is complete with different kinds of dried flowers and leaves.

2. Basic dried flower arrangement – the design is primarily given shape with say, lavender or straw on the foam inside the container. Then flowers like coxcomb and hydrangeas are inserted interspersed with dried roses or straw flowers.

Fake flower arrangements primarily constitute of silk flower arrangements.

The motive is to make the artificial flower arrangement as realistic as possible. Silk flower arrangement has become hugely popular for being durable and cost-effective. There are custom silk flower arrangement that can be designed and altered according to the changing choice, mood and decor. Things that should be kept in mind for making a silk flower arrangement are:

The base should be strong enough to bear the weight. Clay should be used instead of foam.

The wires of the silk flower stems should be easy to bend. A good wire cutter is needed.

Glue should be sprayed on top of the base and then covered slowly with moss.

Big flowers should always be inserted at the focal area. The stems of the flowers should be long enough for easy insertion. Small flowers should be kept in place with a glue-gun.

With good floral design ideas silk flower arrangement can be rewarding in many ways.

The edible flower arrangement is done for wedding and party cakes. Flowers are so selected that they are edible. A candy flower arrangement is a confectionary product which is also pleasing to the eyes. For example a strawberry rose has its stalk portion made of bark-colored chocolate with a sprig of candied leaves. The head includes a strawberry encased within a candied mould.
Artificial Flower Arrangement

Flower arrangements can take the form of bouquets, centerpieces, or wreaths according to the occasion. The distinctiveness of the flower arrangement depends on the type of flowers used – apart from fresh flowers; there can be artificial flowers like silk flowers, custom silk flowers, dried flowers, candy flowers, edible flowers used in the floral arrangement.

During the 18th century the Italians were the pioneer in the artificial flower arrangement followed by the French. Today it is popular in England and America alike. The primary requirement for the artificial flower arrangements are- wire frames, ground clay, nylon netting, carved or shaped soap paper, painted linen, small shells and silkworm cocoons.
Some of the methods for preparing artificial flower arrangements are:

· Clay flower arrangements – Here ground clay is made into a paste by adding water. Colors are then applied to this modeling paste, which is shaped into flowers by a skilled craftsman.

· Soap flower arrangements – In this method a bar with layered colored soap is amassed on a lathe to produce a circular groove. This floral arrangement is symmetric and regular.

· Cloth and paper flower arrangement – Here different fabrics and materials are given the shape of leaves and flowers. Next with the help of a dye, the veins of the leaves are impressed on the arrangement. They are then assembled on a brass or iron stalk.
The convenience of dried flower arrangement is that they can be altered according to one’s choice. A bit of concern is required while choosing the color, texture and shape of the flowers. To enhance the beauty of a dried flower arrangement the container and the color of the room should be kept in mind.
The most common options for dried flower arrangements are:

1. Floral tree – an entire tree of dried flowers can be designed complete with real branches and a cone shaped piece of dry foam for the top. The container is filled with plaster of Paris and the tree trunk can be covered with moss. The arrangement is complete with different kinds of dried flowers and leaves.

2. Basic dried flower arrangement – the design is primarily given shape with say, lavender or straw on the foam inside the container. Then flowers like coxcomb and hydrangeas are inserted interspersed with dried roses or straw flowers.

Fake flower arrangements primarily constitute of silk flower arrangements.

The motive is to make the artificial flower arrangement as realistic as possible. Silk flower arrangement has become hugely popular for being durable and cost-effective. There are custom silk flower arrangement that can be designed and altered according to the changing choice, mood and decor. Things that should be kept in mind for making a silk flower arrangement are:

The base should be strong enough to bear the weight. Clay should be used instead of foam.

The wires of the silk flower stems should be easy to bend. A good wire cutter is needed.

Glue should be sprayed on top of the base and then covered slowly with moss.

Big flowers should always be inserted at the focal area. The stems of the flowers should be long enough for easy insertion. Small flowers should be kept in place with a glue-gun.

With good floral design ideas silk flower arrangement can be rewarding in many ways.

The edible flower arrangement is done for wedding and party cakes. Flowers are so selected that they are edible. A candy flower arrangement is a confectionary product which is also pleasing to the eyes. For example a strawberry rose has its stalk portion made of bark-colored chocolate with a sprig of candied leaves. The head includes a strawberry encased within a candied mould.
Artificial Flower Arrangement

Flower arrangements can take the form of bouquets, centerpieces, or wreaths according to the occasion. The distinctiveness of the flower arrangement depends on the type of flowers used – apart from fresh flowers; there can be artificial flowers like silk flowers, custom silk flowers, dried flowers, candy flowers, edible flowers used in the floral arrangement.

During the 18th century the Italians were the pioneer in the artificial flower arrangement followed by the French. Today it is popular in England and America alike. The primary requirement for the artificial flower arrangements are- wire frames, ground clay, nylon netting, carved or shaped soap paper, painted linen, small shells and silkworm cocoons.
Some of the methods for preparing artificial flower arrangements are:

· Clay flower arrangements – Here ground clay is made into a paste by adding water. Colors are then applied to this modeling paste, which is shaped into flowers by a skilled craftsman.

· Soap flower arrangements – In this method a bar with layered colored soap is amassed on a lathe to produce a circular groove. This floral arrangement is symmetric and regular.

· Cloth and paper flower arrangement – Here different fabrics and materials are given the shape of leaves and flowers. Next with the help of a dye, the veins of the leaves are impressed on the arrangement. They are then assembled on a brass or iron stalk.
The convenience of dried flower arrangement is that they can be altered according to one’s choice. A bit of concern is required while choosing the color, texture and shape of the flowers. To enhance the beauty of a dried flower arrangement the container and the color of the room should be kept in mind.
The most common options for dried flower arrangements are:

1. Floral tree – an entire tree of dried flowers can be designed complete with real branches and a cone shaped piece of dry foam for the top. The container is filled with plaster of Paris and the tree trunk can be covered with moss. The arrangement is complete with different kinds of dried flowers and leaves.

2. Basic dried flower arrangement – the design is primarily given shape with say, lavender or straw on the foam inside the container. Then flowers like coxcomb and hydrangeas are inserted interspersed with dried roses or straw flowers.

Fake flower arrangements primarily constitute of silk flower arrangements.

The motive is to make the artificial flower arrangement as realistic as possible. Silk flower arrangement has become hugely popular for being durable and cost-effective. There are custom silk flower arrangement that can be designed and altered according to the changing choice, mood and decor. Things that should be kept in mind for making a silk flower arrangement are:

The base should be strong enough to bear the weight. Clay should be used instead of foam.

The wires of the silk flower stems should be easy to bend. A good wire cutter is needed.

Glue should be sprayed on top of the base and then covered slowly with moss.

Big flowers should always be inserted at the focal area. The stems of the flowers should be long enough for easy insertion. Small flowers should be kept in place with a glue-gun.

With good floral design ideas silk flower arrangement can be rewarding in many ways.

The edible flower arrangement is done for wedding and party cakes. Flowers are so selected that they are edible. A candy flower arrangement is a confectionary product which is also pleasing to the eyes. For example a strawberry rose has its stalk portion made of bark-colored chocolate with a sprig of candied leaves. The head includes a strawberry encased within a candied mould.
Artificial Flower Arrangement

Flower arrangements can take the form of bouquets, centerpieces, or wreaths according to the occasion. The distinctiveness of the flower arrangement depends on the type of flowers used – apart from fresh flowers; there can be artificial flowers like silk flowers, custom silk flowers, dried flowers, candy flowers, edible flowers used in the floral arrangement.

During the 18th century the Italians were the pioneer in the artificial flower arrangement followed by the French. Today it is popular in England and America alike. The primary requirement for the artificial flower arrangements are- wire frames, ground clay, nylon netting, carved or shaped soap paper, painted linen, small shells and silkworm cocoons.
Some of the methods for preparing artificial flower arrangements are:

· Clay flower arrangements – Here ground clay is made into a paste by adding water. Colors are then applied to this modeling paste, which is shaped into flowers by a skilled craftsman.

· Soap flower arrangements – In this method a bar with layered colored soap is amassed on a lathe to produce a circular groove. This floral arrangement is symmetric and regular.

· Cloth and paper flower arrangement – Here different fabrics and materials are given the shape of leaves and flowers. Next with the help of a dye, the veins of the leaves are impressed on the arrangement. They are then assembled on a brass or iron stalk.
The convenience of dried flower arrangement is that they can be altered according to one’s choice. A bit of concern is required while choosing the color, texture and shape of the flowers. To enhance the beauty of a dried flower arrangement the container and the color of the room should be kept in mind.
The most common options for dried flower arrangements are:

1. Floral tree – an entire tree of dried flowers can be designed complete with real branches and a cone shaped piece of dry foam for the top. The container is filled with plaster of Paris and the tree trunk can be covered with moss. The arrangement is complete with different kinds of dried flowers and leaves.

2. Basic dried flower arrangement – the design is primarily given shape with say, lavender or straw on the foam inside the container. Then flowers like coxcomb and hydrangeas are inserted interspersed with dried roses or straw flowers.

Fake flower arrangements primarily constitute of silk flower arrangements.

The motive is to make the artificial flower arrangement as realistic as possible. Silk flower arrangement has become hugely popular for being durable and cost-effective. There are custom silk flower arrangement that can be designed and altered according to the changing choice, mood and decor. Things that should be kept in mind for making a silk flower arrangement are:

The base should be strong enough to bear the weight. Clay should be used instead of foam.

The wires of the silk flower stems should be easy to bend. A good wire cutter is needed.

Glue should be sprayed on top of the base and then covered slowly with moss.

Big flowers should always be inserted at the focal area. The stems of the flowers should be long enough for easy insertion. Small flowers should be kept in place with a glue-gun.

With good floral design ideas silk flower arrangement can be rewarding in many ways.

The edible flower arrangement is done for wedding and party cakes. Flowers are so selected that they are edible. A candy flower arrangement is a confectionary product which is also pleasing to the eyes. For example a strawberry rose has its stalk portion made of bark-colored chocolate with a sprig of candied leaves. The head includes a strawberry encased within a candied mould.

Care Free Décor: Artificial Plants And Silk Flowers

Flowers and plants are wonderful ways to add ambience throughout your home or office. Live flowers and plants can be a burden for a busy homeowner or office manager however, as they must receive the proper care in order to make the surroundings beautiful. A plant can die for any number of reasons, and a wilting plant or set of flowers will look tacky to visitors. Additionally, plants that are cared for will grow, and you will find yourself pruning and repotting your decorations a couple of times a year. Add to that the potential mess of fallen leaves and scattered dirt, and you will see why houseplants can be quite a chore even if you are gifted with a green thumb.

Fortunately, there are alternatives to real plants if you want to add that extra splash of color to your home. Artificial plants and silk flowers are a perfect low maintenance addition to the home or office in terms of decor.

Artificial plants can be purchased almost anywhere, as they do not require special care or storage from the retailer. Artificial plants can sit on shelves for long periods of time in stores, just as they can in your home. Artificial plants and artificial trees are manufactured in all the varieties found in real plants, and can be tailored to fit your space needs. You choose the artificial plant variety, the pot, and then walk your new décor item out the door. The only maintenance you will need to do is dusting!

Silk flowers are an even more abundant option than artificial plants. Silk flowers can be bought in arrangements or separately, in a variety of species replicas and sizes. There is no need to keep silk flowers in a vase- if you want to have tiny individual daisies along the edges of your bathroom, you can accomplish the task with silk flowers!

In addition to their low maintenance appeal, artificial plants and silk flowers do not produce any pollen or sap, so they are not a risk for any person who might be afflicted with allergies. Artificial plants and silk flowers are a perfect housewarming or office decoration.

Perennial Garden Basics

Perennials are any plants which live for more than two seasons and produce stems which die back to the ground each fall. They're at the heart of most flower gardens and offer wide ranging benefits to the landscape gardener. Perennials are treasured for their ability to flower, spread and multiply year after year. They're also noted for their form, texture, vibrant color and their ability to attract birds and other wildlife to the garden. Perennials can stand on their own in the landscape but can be complimented by a few well placed annuals. While perennials are easy to grow, there are a few basic maintenance guidelines to follow which will help your garden flourish.

In the spring, the first task is an obvious one; remove any debris which has collected over the winter. After that, cut back to the ground any plants which were left standing the previous fall. When cleaning out the garden tread lightly and rake lightly. You don't want to disturb any new shoots. Once the garden is cleaned out, look around the garden to see if there are any empty spaces. If there are, you may want to add a few new plants. Ideally, the perennial bed should bloom from spring through the fall so if the garden in September seems a bit sparse add late season bloomers such as autumn sedum joy, chrysanthemums or asters. Another way to add color in the garden is to plant annuals in the spring. Though they last only one year, annuals bloom all season long.

Fertilizing with a general slow release garden fertilizer and adding lime to the garden early in the season will get the plants off to a healthy start and feed them throughout the entire season. Each spring spread compost throughout the perennial garden to improve soil consistency.

In the summer the main task is deadheading, the process of clipping off spent blooms. This won't encourage continuous blooms in perennials but will keep the garden looking fresh all season. With annuals, however, deadheading will encourage continuous blooms all season. Cultivating the garden soil is another task which should occasionally be through the summer. Cultivating keeps weeds from taking hold in the garden and it loosens up the soil allowing water and nutrients to reach the plant's deepest roots.

Towards mid-summer the taller plants may begin to lean or fall as they become top heavy. This often occurs most noticeably after a rain shower. Staking the plants is important and keeps them from falling into one another thus reducing the chances of mold and disease.

Continuing with the above tasks is important though the fall months as well. Late in the season, however, perennials will begin fade and eventually their foliage dies back to the ground. The roots are still alive but the above ground part of the plant is done for the season. Cutting back the plants that have gone by is generally done for aesthetic reasons. It can be done in the spring but I recommend this task for the fall as there are alot of other things to do in the spring.

Dividing perennials is easily the best way to increase your plant stock. A few years after you've planted a perennial you'll probably notice that it begins to outgrow its allotted spot. Dividing large perennials into smaller plants will solve the problem of over crowding in the garden while giving you new plants to add to other gardens. In the fall when the plants are beginning to die back prepare new planting areas somewhere on your property. If you don't have any space for new plants, give some away to your friends. Simply dig the perennial you intend to divide out of the ground making sure to preserve as much of the root system as possible. Take a spade or a garden edger and chop or divide the plant in half. Remove any foliage which may have been severed. Replace the perennial back in the ground and back fill with a mix of compost and existing soil. You'll need some extra soil to fill in properly. Some of the easiest perennials to divide are daylilies, hosta, iris and sedum.

Perennials are adaptable to a variety of landscape conditions. Most can survive a few hours of shade each day but there are those which will require full sun and those which will thrive in the shade. Study the conditions of your own garden and have a plan or list in hand before you head out to the greenhouse. Once planted, the perennials you choose will provide years of gardening enjoyment

Early Blooming perennials: Iris, poppy, aneome, primrose, lily of the valley, coral bell, Solomon's seal, leopard's bane, foam flower, lungwort, globe flower, epimedium, bleeding heart, speedwell

Mid Season Blooming Perennials: daisy, dianthus, hardy geranium, saliva, campanula, delphinium, coreopsis, daylily, hollyhock, yarrow, lady's mantle, phlox, bee balm, catmint, goat's beard, astilbe

Late Season Blooming Perennials: Aster, black eyed Susan, chrysanthemums, michaelmas daisy, lilyturf, monkshood, cardinal flower, sedum "autumn joy", goldenrod, hosta, globe thistle

Creating Low Maintenace Gardens

While no garden is maintenance free, it is possible to create a garden with relatively few demands. Careful planning, proper plant selection and thoughtful design are essential to creating a low maintenance landscape which retains a garden's aesthetic qualities.

Analyze your site thoroughly. Observe the sun and shade conditions and test your soil for Ph level and composition. Through site analysis you'll be more informed as to what plants are appropriate for your garden. Gardens planned with forethought will require less maintenance as your plants will thrive and experience less stress.

Group new shrubs into planting beds; they're generally easier to maintain in the garden than several sporadic individual plants. Though flowers are higher upkeep than other types of plants, few would want to banish them from the garden completely. Perennials require some work, such as deadheading, though the season but they return and flower year after year. After the initial investment and planting, perennials are easy to maintain. Annuals on the other hand, require deadheading, frequent watering and need to be replanted every year. If you decide to plant flowers in your garden, use only a few and place them where they'll have the highest impact.

When designing your garden, remember, planting beds which are slightly curved or straight will be easier to mow around than those which are more complex. Edging planting beds will help keep weeds out of the lawn and grass out of the bed, reducing the need for weeding. There are many materials which work well as an edging. Plastic and metal edging are found at most nurseries and can be curved to follow the shape of the bed. Be sure to mulch the shrub beds after planting, this will help reduce the growth of weeds as well as help the soil retain moisture.

Reintroduce nature into your garden to create landscapes which are self-sustaining. A woodland garden is a great low maintenance landscape which utilizes many native species of trees, shrubs and perennials. Plants native to particular area will generally require less maintenance than those plants which are introduced. Native plants have proven their ability to survive in your local climate and site conditions. They'll also be less likely to succumb to disease and extreme conditions. Native species will create more diversity in the garden as well as a habitat for native wildlife.

Wildflower meadows are another type of landscape which requires very little maintenance. Meadows are noted for their stability and wide diversity of plants resulting in vibrant colors and textures. Like the woodland garden a meadow will require very little maintenance after some initial work. Once a year, preferably in the fall after the seeds have dropped from the plants, mow the field with the blades at a high setting. This will allow the plants to get an early start in the spring. It also removes any tree and shrub saplings from taking over the site.

Aside from recreating native landscapes in your garden, proper plant selection is important when planning a low maintenance garden. For example, consider replacing some lawn areas with groundcover. Groundcover can greatly reduce the upkeep in the garden while adding a variety of textures and colors. Though groundcovers vary in the amount of required maintenance all groundcovers should be considered low maintenance. Only occasional pruning is necessary to keep groundcovers from creeping into the lawn or garden beds.

Pruning shrubs is one of gardening's most important and laborious tasks. Some shrubs are fast growers which need pruning at least few times each season. Selecting slow growing shrubs will greatly reduce or eliminate the need for pruning. During the plant selection process, be sure to choose shrubs which will not outgrow their allotted space so there'll be no need for transplanting in the future.

Evaluate your needs before you begin planning your garden. Consider the amount of time you'll be able to devote to the garden. With proper planning and some initial investment of time and labor you'll be able to enjoy and carefree garden for years.

Seaside Gardens

Gardening along the coast presents even the most skilled gardeners with challenges not encountered elsewhere. Natural conditions along the coast create a very hostile environment for garden plants. Wind, salt spray, dry sandy soils as well as actual sea water can make gardening along the coast difficult. All of these factors can cause problems for landscape plants and effect how they grow. In fact, few plants can survive full exposure to the ocean so site preparation and plant selection is perhaps even more critical here than anywhere else. Despite these difficulties, however, there are techniques and guides you can follow to create a more favorable environment for your favorite plants.

Building windbreaks as protection from the elements is essential to creating hospitable garden spaces along the coast. Windbreaks should be planted with indigenous seaside plants. Here in Massachusetts, Rosa rugoas, bayberry and eastern red cedar have developed along the coast and have proven their ability to survive the harshest of seaside conditions. They also create more diversity in the garden as well as a habitat for native wildlife. Find out what grows naturally in along the coast in your area and use those plants to create a protected garden space. Begin the screen with a planting of lower growing shrubs such as the above mentioned bayberry and rosa rugosa. This will be the first line of defense against the ocean winds and salt spray. Next, plant rows or massings of taller evergreens such as eastern red cedar, this will dampen the winds even further. Though the goal is to provide protection and create a retreat and from the harsh seaside winds, design a planting plan which still allows for beautiful views.

Along with wind and salt, dry and sandy coastal soils can present gardeners with a challenge. Sandy soils are very well drained and don't hold enough moisture to satisfy the needs of most plants. This holds true for some distance inland as well. In order to remedy this situation till the soil and add a fairly large amount of compost, manure and peat moss. This will help the soil retain the moisture necessary for plants to survive.

Follow standard planting practices. Dig holes for trees and shrubs about twice the diameter of the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole being careful not to disturb too many of its roots. Also, always plant so that the top of the root ball meets the existing grade of the garden. Planting too high or especially too low will result in early plant decline. Begin backfilling the hole, at about half way fill the hole with water and let it settle. I usually do this twice to make sure there are no air pockets. Finish backfilling the hole then create a saucer around the trunk of the plant, mulch well and water again.

When planting a lawn along the coast the sandy soils create the need for extensive site preparation. For lawns to thrive the soil requires a certain amount of water retention. For best results, begin with 6" of topsoil. Topsoil holds moisture well, provides necessary nutrients and will prevent the leaching of fertilizers. When seeding, use a mix of Kentucky bluegrass, fescue and rye. However, use a higher percentage of the drought resistant varieties of turf such as fine fescue, red fescue and hard fescue. Be sure to water your lawn deeply. Shallow, frequent watering leads to weak root systems which remain close to the surface. An alternative to a vast lawn is to allow native grasses to grow into a meadow, just be sure to mow them at least once each season to prevent trees and shrubs from taking hold.

With proper planning, tree and shrub selection and planting technique, seaside gardens can thrive. Gardeners along the coast will find the work involved in overcoming difficult site conditions well worth their time and effort, after all the greater the challenge the greater the reward.

How to Plan a Garden

All great gardens have one thing in common, they were thoughtfully planned before they were built. To plant a successful garden you must have a clear understanding of your site's conditions. A thorough site analysis enables the gardener to make informed decisions regarding design and plant selection. Determined in this site analysis are the following factors; climate & micro-climate, sun & shade conditions, wind exposure, soil composition & chemistry and existing vegetation.

Plant hardiness zone maps divide the country into zones based on the lowest average winter temperature. A plant that is adapted to your hardiness zone is one that can tolerate the lowest winter temperature your zone typically experiences. Find out the zone in which you live and use it as guide during your plant selection process.

Along with the overall climate conditions of your area, micro-climates within your specific site also determine what is appropriate for your garden. Micro-climates are conditions, such as temperatures, which can vary from spot to in spot the garden. A sunny spot against a brick wall with a southern exposure, for example, will be warmer than its surrounding environment, even during the coldest winter days. In a space such as this, plants which are borderline hardy have a better chance at survival than if planted elsewhere in the garden. Also, however, a warm full sun location can encourage premature new growth on some plants which could damage new shoots if there's a sudden drop in temperature.

The canopy of the existing trees can protect plants by reducing their radiant heat loss. In winter, the micro-climate beneath a tree may be several degrees warmer than the surrounding air, this slight difference in temperature can be beneficial to some plants. Furthermore, the tree's shade during the early morning slows the rate of thaw in spring delaying the emergence of spring bulbs.

Being aware of the sun and shade conditions in your garden is critical to proper plant placement and, in turn, to the long term health of your plants. Improperly placed plants are a main reason for unnecessary transplants. Most plants prefer at least some shade during the day. Observe the light condition of your garden over the course of a few days to determine how much sun it gets. Be aware of the time of day as well. Many plants that thrive in part sun welcome shade during the heat of the afternoon, when the sun is strongest. Plants which demand full sun should be placed where they get at least 6 hours of each day. Shady conditions can vary. There are three types of shade; dappled, part shade & deep shade.

Dappled shade perhaps is the easiest type of shade in which to garden. It occurs beneath deciduous trees where there are drastic changes in the amount of sunlight reaching the ground throughout the year alternating between a patchwork of shade and sun in the summer and full sun during winter after the trees drop their leaves. Many shave-loving plants will adapt to these conditions. Many shade tolerant plants, such as trillium, epimedium, anemone and various bulbs have adapted to these conditions by flowering in the spring while there is still quite a bit of light entering the garden.

Part shade occurs as the sun moves across the sky. It creates situations such as full sun in the morning and shade in the afternoon. Only the most sun loving plants will fail to survive in part shade conditions. It's perfect for those plants which tolerate sun but little shade. Afternoon shade in this situation is quite beneficial to plants as the shade will protect them from the sun during the hottest part of the day. If the opposite is true, shade in the morning and sun in the afternoon, some plants will tend to look stressed as the coolness of morning shade gives way to full sun during the hottest part of the day.

Deep shade occurs beneath evergreens or in narrow spaces between tall buildings and can be a challenging environment in which to garden. Soil beneath evergreens is usually poor due to the lack of an annual leaf fall which in deciduous forests provides layers of organic mulch. Plants selected for deep shade gardens need to be shade demanding not just shade tolerant. These plants may tolerate some morning sun but not more than an hour or so of afternoon sun.

Before you plant your new shrubs, perform a soil test to determine its pH level. Soil test kits are readily available at most greenhouses and nurseries. Most plants prefer a pH level somewhere between 5.8 and 6.5. Outside of this range it becomes difficult for plants to get the nutrients they need. To adjust a pH level which is too high, meaning the soil is alkaline, add aluminum sulfate. Soils which are acidic have low pH levels; adding lime will create more favorable planting conditions.

Soil composition is also critical to the growth of healthy root systems. Most plants will not do well in exceedingly sandy soil or in poorly drained clay soil. Grading and conditioning the site to provide adequate drainage should be done before you begin planting. If you're planning a garden in clay soil composted bark or other course textured organic material will improve drainage. It may also be necessary to build up the garden, creating raised beds. This will allow oxygen to reach the roots and cause excess water to drain away from the plant rather than collecting beneath it.

Because they are so well drained, sandy soils don't hold water or nutrients well. Sandy soils, as opposed to clay soils, require the addition of water retentive organic matter such as manure, compost and peat moss. When adding your soil amendments avoid uncomposted bark or wood chips as they tend to rob plants of nitrogen

Compacted and poorly drained soils contain little oxygen, which plant need in order to grow. Though some plants tolerate soils with low oxygen, most grow poorly or die. Although most types of soil can become compacted, clay presents plants the most difficult challenge.

Other conditions such as existing vegetation should be considered carefully. Most of the time existing trees can add character to a garden so think about how you may use them to your advantage. By pruning some lower branches you may be able to let enough dappled light in beneath the tree to plant a woodland garden. If there's a tree on the property which seems to stand out from the rest use it as a focal point in your garden.

Getting to know the conditions of your site before you begin planning and planting can be the difference between success and disappointment. Properly planned gardens ensure the time you invest in you garden is worth it, as each properly placed plant thrives.