High Performing Plants in the Landscape

Posted by Jamie McIntosh May 13, 2009

Last night, my 4-year-old had his end of the year recital at his preschool. He had warned me multiple times that he hates to sing, and that he would refuse to perform, but my husband and I gently ignored his protests as we drove to the performance. Sitting in the audience with my sister-in-law, husband, and two other sons, we watched as my 4-year-old silently and stubbornly stood with his arms crossed and lips pursed together for the entire concert. As the old saying goes, “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”

This story makes me think of gardens I’ve observed with faltering plants. These gardeners aren’t plagued with pests or diseases. Instead, I see weak rose bushes stuck in a shady corner, their leggy canes straining toward a nearby shaft of sunlight. I notice hostas with scorched leaves baking in the middle of a sunny rock garden.

Gardeners, you can place a plant in the location of your choice, but you can’t make it perform. For the most successful garden, follow the guidelines for sun exposure, soil, and spacing on the plant marker. If you observe these basic steps, you’ll be singing your garden’s praises all summer.