What Do You Plant First In A Garden?

Start with a design on paper but accept that gardens are living, growing things which will evolve. Start in paper and in reality with your trees. These provide height and shade. Their visible impact is immediately dramatic and they will influence how and where other plants will grow. Shrubs should come next. Sometimes a band of shrubs is vital before other plants will flourish. In exposed, windy sites especially coastal areas where salt laden air can wreck tender plants you will need to provide protection. It is tempting to opt for fast growing varieties but be patient and build up to your ideal effect step by step. For example, many conifers will provide hedging in a hurry but a mix of native deciduous and evergreen hedging plants will be better for wildlife and provide Autumn colour, attractive berries and a variety of leaf shape. Herbaceous plants come next. In your first season fill in big gaps with annuals. Remember herbaceous perennials grow thick and fast from eventually so make sure they have space.