Each time I post on Instagram anything about my garden, I get an influx of questions on what the flowers and plants are that I’ve chosen to plant.  I’ll be the first to say, I’m super picky about what types of flowers and plants I like, for both the flower itself in terms of shape and color but also the shape, color and size of the leaves.  In year 3 of having my garden here at our 1925 Dutch Colonial house, I’ve definitely learned which plants and flowers I really like and which I don’t for various reasons.  So in this 2-part series, I’m going to be explaining how you can go about finding your garden style and today for Part 1, let’s chat about plant and flower choices.

Step 1 : What do you like?

For me, I’m really specific on what I like in terms of flowers.  I don’t like things that are too “leafy” and I like to stay within the purple and pink family in terms of colors for my current garden.  I also love things that have a little more olive-ey tones in the leaves like lavender and in terms of flowers themselves, I prefer a rounded or oval shape like a tulip or an allium.  I’m also not a huge fan of a bunch of little tiny flowers except for things like Sweet Alyssum (which looks very round when all together).  Put all of that together and I’ve figured out what I like and what I don’t.  If you don’t know, head to your local nursery and just wander.  See what you like, what you’re drawn to and what you don’t.

Some of my favorite plants and flowers:

• Provence Lavender
• Globemaster Alliums
• China Asters (Gremlin variety)
• English Daisies
• Hyacinth
• Grape Hyacinth
• Tulips
• Hydrangeas
• Chocolate Cosmos
• Sweet Alyssum
• Marigolds (African variety)

Step 2 : Where should each plant go?

Once you know what you like, you’ll want to figure out where the plants should go.  Some are better in containers or as borders like tulips while Provence Lavender is best in the ground with well drained soil.  It might take some time to figure out what should go where and how it should be planted, but research this as well to make sure every plant is planted to make it the best it can be.

Step 3 : Location, Location, Location

The final step is to keep an eye on your plants and flowers and see what they need.  Does it seem a little stunted and it’s not growing?  Maybe it needs more sun.  Is it dense with water all the time, maybe it needs a dryer location.  Watch your plants and see how they do, you’ll know quickly if they are happy and thriving or not and then you can make adjustments to make them happier in a new spot somewhere else.

Next week, Part 2 of this series where we’ll talk about growing food like vegetables and herbs!