It is fall, time to split and move plants but before one does that they have to know where to place them.
Start by finding out what the plant requires to thrive not just survive; soil type, moisture and sunlight.
Most plants do best in a soft soil; one that allows the roots to grow freely to gather moisture and nutrients.
It is important that when a new bed is being created, that existing soil is incorporated into the new soil.
If the two layers are not mixed together it can create a barrier for water and organisms that live in the soil.
A thin layer of compost can be placed on top of the soil but any amount more than ½ inch (1 cm) should be worked in.
The ideal soil is a black loam but that is not always available.
Adding organic matter to clay helps the soil structure adding air pockets allowing the water to drain.
It also makes the soil easier to work with. When organic matter is added to sandy soil it retains more moisture and provides nutrients.
Moisture is needed for plants to thrive but too much moisture can cause plants to rot.
It is best to place plants with the same water requirements in the same location. It simplifies watering.
If there are contours in the yard, water loving plants go at the bottom where water gathers while plants that l need less moisture would be placed on higher ground.
There are a few perennials that will thrive in full sun or full shade but most have preferences.
Plants that are placed with too little or too much sunlight can survive but they rarely look healthy.
It is best to do some research in books or on the internet to find out the amount of sunlight the plant requires and place the plant accordingly.
As the garden grows, the amount of sunlight within a garden can change. Be aware of this and move plants when needed.
Once the ground is prepared it is time to plan where the plants are placed, by their needs and in relation to their height, size and blooming time.
Perennial beds lend themselves to the Cottage style garden where plants intermingle with each other.
Perennials come in various heights making them hard to classify.
At best they can be divided into short, medium and tall.
Taller plants are always ant the back of the bed as it stops the eye from continuing onwards.
Medium and short plants tend to intermingle. The only time the arrangement is considered poor, is if it is impossible to see the plant that is blooming.
Staggered bloom times mean that plants heights can be staggered adding contour interest to the garden.
An example would be to plant Daffodils at the back of the bed.
These bulbs come up first thing in the spring and provide color for about a month. Their foliage lasts well into July and by that time is not an asset to the garden.
By the time the daffodil’s the foliage turns brown, other perennial plants have become larger blocking it from view.
Small late blooming plants must be planted at the front of the garden or their flowers will not be seen through the foliage.
Taking time to plan plant placement to insure the plant looks is best helps eliminate the need to move plants later. Evaluate every fall to see if plants need to be moved or replaced.
When the weather is warm, take time to make changes needed to insure all plants are in the best position possible.
Linda Tomlinson is a horticulturalist that lives near Rocky Mountain House. She can be reached at www.igardencanada.com or your_garden@hotmail.com