The Goodness Ratio: How to Choose the Best Plants for a Small Garden
Small gardens are the norm nowadays and when gardening space is limited, we can't grow every plant that catches our eye, so we have to be ultra-choosy
about what to include in our gardens. I've come up with this way of thinking about it this, which for lack of a better description, I'll call "the
goodness ratio."
One of the ways I whittle down the plant possibilities is to put plants through a scrupulous selection process in which they're asked to prove their worth—season in, season out. The larger the plant, the more rigorous the selection process. For example, I'm much more forgiving of a plant that
occupies one square foot than I am of an 8-foot-wide shrub that inhabits 64 square feet of prime garden real estate.
The Goodness Ratio boiled down: the bigger the plant, the higher the bar.
But size is only part of the goodness ratio. In our small plots, we can only grow a few large shrubs and/or small trees, and what I'm looking for in these big plants is all-season appeal. I want it to deliver on more than one of these attributes:
spring or summer bloom
fragrance
wonderful foliage
fall color
interesting bark and/or branching structure for winter interest
These Big Plants Earn Their Space
Lagerstroemia 'Zuni' is a giver—gorgeous cream-colored bark is handsome year-round, bright and cheery blooms in summer, and a compact growth habit earn it a place of honor in small city gardens.
Lagerstroemia 'Zuni' is a giver—gorgeous cream-colored bark is handsome year-round, bright and cheery blooms in summer, and a compact growth habit earn it a place of honor in small city gardens.
Small plants that are especially lovely, or plants that share space well might be given a bit of leeway, the standard relaxed somewhat. Naturalizing spring
bulbs, such as crocus, anemone, species tulip, and allium are a good example of this. Or plants that peak in winter or early spring that are then a
good host for a summer blooming vine might make the cut. And if it shares space well with other plant partners, we can grow multiple plants in the
same slice of earth. These intermingled layers can then create a community of plants that offers up a steady succession of bloom or foliage interest
through the seasons.
Crocuses are a great example of this. They're such a delight when they appear in late winter, offering cheery blooms when we need them most. After bloom, its foliage politely withers away. Gone by mid spring, it hardly leaves a trace and makes way for other garden plants to occupy the same spot later in the season.
Crocuses are a great example of this. They're such a delight when they appear in late winter, offering cheery blooms when we need them most. After bloom, its foliage politely withers away. Gone by mid spring, it hardly leaves a trace and makes way for other garden plants to occupy the same spot later in the season.
Sedum spathulifolium 'Capo Blanco' is just one of the many ground-hugging sedums that you can use to carpet the ground.
There are countless hosta in a wide range of sizes; from ginormous to petite. The little ones, like H. 'Blue Mouse Ears' (pictured here) are great little edgers.
There are countless hosta in a wide range of sizes; from ginormous to petite. The little ones, like H. 'Blue Mouse Ears' (pictured here) are great little edgers.
Allium 'Purple Sensation' is a good mingler. Its basal foliage is a bit smaller and not as hard to work around as some of the others, like A. 'Globemaster'.
Allium 'Purple Sensation' is a good mingler. Its basal foliage is a bit smaller and not as hard to work around as some of the others, like A. 'Globemaster'.
Clematis are a classic example of plants that share space well. Clambering through shrubs and trees, draping over a wall, or climbing wall they provide added layers and extend the season.
Clematis are a classic example of plants that share space well. Clambering through shrubs and trees, draping over a wall, or climbing wall they provide added layers and extend the season.
Hellebores earn their place by the virtue of their pretty faces--all the more valued because they provide color and cheer in winter, when we need it most.
Hellebores earn their place by the virtue of their pretty faces--all the more valued because they provide color and cheer in winter, when we need it most.
When considering a plant’s “goodness ratio,” I try to remember that flowers are fleeting, but foliage endures. When choosing plants to include in my garden,
I select first based on foliage and form. Equally important
are plants that are selected for their contribution toward structure and line. The hedges that define an enclosure, the rhythm and punctuation of strongly
upright conifers; these are just a couple of examples of how plants can be used to define and unify a garden space.
Plants that serve important functions, like screening and dividing space, earn high marks.
Plants that serve important functions, like screening and dividing space, earn high marks.
A repetition of upright shapes creates a strong presence.
A repetition of upright shapes creates a strong presence.
Boxwood is a malleable evergreen shrub that can be clipped to create a strong repetition of shapes.
Boxwood is a malleable evergreen shrub that can be clipped to create a strong repetition of shapes.
The new growth of some plants is as showy as flowers.
The new growth of some plants is as showy as flowers.
New plant varieties come and go, so when choosing for your own garden, be picky and go for performance. Life is too short and gardens are too small to
put up with less-than plants. Identify weaklings and remove poor performers;
to make the most of your garden plot, go for the best of the bunch. For example, the hardy geranium Rozanne. She's become a bit ubiquitous, but frankly
for good reason. She outperforms others in her class hands down — there's absolutely no reason to grow the old Geranium 'Johnson's Blue' anymore!
Geranium 'Rozanne'
Before signing off, I offer a caveat. Sure, I mean everything I've said above about being brutal in my plant selections. It works for me, and it's how
I like to garden in my own plot. But gardens are supposed to be fun, and they're very personal, and you'll need to experiment and find the measures
that are right for you and your garden.
So, go ahead and leave room for lust — plant lust that is!
Terms And Conditions Of Use. All content provided on this site is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner of www.egardengo.com will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. This terms and conditions is subject to change at anytime with or without notice.
