The novice gardener dreams of a beautiful, lush garden, always well-tended and carefree. But reality can be far from the dream, and you have to learn to work with nature.
One of the keys to the success of a beautiful garden is choosing the right plants for the type of garden you want to create. You won’t choose the same plants for a natural-style garden as for a well-ordered one.
Whether you’re an amateur gardener or a seasoned professional, choosing the right plants for your garden is an essential step. This article is a compendium of plant selection criteria based on climate, specific garden soil, sun exposure and personal preferences. Let’s explore the different types of plants, environmental considerations, and tips to ensure your garden and mine stay healthy and beautiful all year round.
1. Understanding the garden climate
Hardiness zones
Regional climate is a determining factor in plant selection. Hardiness zones, established by institutions such as the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) or in Europe by the European Union, are invaluable guides. They divide regions into zones based on average annual minimum temperatures.
Hardiness zones are climatic classifications that help gardeners determine which plants are most likely to survive and thrive in a given region. In Europe, and more specifically in France, these zones are based on average annual minimum temperatures. They are important for choosing plants suited to the local climate.
Hardiness zones in Europe
Europe has a wide range of hardiness zones due to its diverse climatic conditions. The continent is divided into several zones, ranging from zone 3 in the coldest regions, such as northern Scandinavia, to zone 10 on the warmest Mediterranean coasts. Each zone is defined by a range of average annual minimum temperatures over a period of several years.
Hardiness zones in France
France, with its variety of climates ranging from Alpine mountains to Mediterranean beaches, covers several hardiness zones. Here is a description of the main zones found in France:
- Zone 6: This zone covers the coldest regions of France, mainly in the mountains such as the Alps and Pyrenees. Temperatures can drop to -23.3°C. Hardy, frost-resistant plants are essential here.
- Zone 7: This zone includes regions with moderately cold winters, such as the Massif Central and parts of eastern France. Minimum temperatures can drop to -17.7°C. Frost-resistant plants are still needed, but with a greater possible diversity than in zone 6.
- Zone 8: Covers most of France, including areas such as Normandy, Brittany and the interior. Minimum temperatures vary around -12.2°C. A wide variety of plants can be grown here, including some Mediterranean plants with winter protection.
- Zone 9: Present on the Atlantic coast and in the south of France, including Bordeaux, Toulouse and parts of Provence. Minimum temperatures in this zone can drop to -6.6°C. Mediterranean and subtropical plants and many fruit trees thrive in this zone.
- Zone 10: Mainly on the Côte d’Azur and parts of Corsica. Minimum temperatures generally do not fall below -1.1°C. This zone is ideal for growing tropical and subtropical plants, as well as exotic fruit trees.
You’ll find a map on Ouest france. (For France only)
Using Rusticity Zones
To use hardiness zones effectively, it’s important to know your specific garden zone. This enables us to select plants that are naturally adapted to our local climatic conditions. Plant labels in garden centers often indicate the hardiness zone, making it easier to choose suitable plants.
Microclimates in France
Even within defined hardiness zones, microclimates can affect plant survival. A garden sheltered from the wind, near a south wall that stores heat, or in a valley that retains night-time heat, can allow plants not normally adapted to the zone to grow. Therefore, in addition to the hardiness zone, it’s essential to understand your garden’s specific microclimates for even more accurate plant selection.
Microclimates in the garden
In addition to the general hardiness zone, the garden may have different microclimates. A corner shaded by a large tree, an area near a warm wall, or a space exposed to the wind may require specific plants.
My garden, for example, is on a west-facing slope. It’s much colder at the bottom of the garden than at the top, where exposure to the morning sun is favorable. In winter, I notice a difference of around 4°C compared with the Météo France forecast.
2. Soil analysis
Soil types
Soil type has a major influence on plant growth. The main types are :
- Clay soil: Holds water well but can be heavy and difficult to work.
- Sandy soil: Rapid drainage but poor nutrient retention.
- Loamy soil: A balance of clay and sand, ideal for most plants.
- Calcareous soil: Alkaline, rich in calcium but can be poor in nutrients.
In acid soil, you can grow beautiful camellias or azaleas.
Soil test
To determine soil type, a soil test may be useful. You can buy a test kit or send a sample to a laboratory. Knowing the pH of your soil (acid, neutral or alkaline) is also useful, as some plants have specific preferences.
There are also testers that test not only acidity but also temperature and humidity.
3. Sun exposure
Plein Soleil
Full-sun plants need at least six hours of direct light a day. They are suited to open spaces without much shade.
Semi-shade
These plants tolerate filtered light or a few hours of direct sun. Ideal for partially shaded areas of your garden.
Shadow
Shade plants thrive in areas that receive little direct light. They are perfect for undergrowth or areas shaded by buildings or trees.
4. Choosing plants according to your objectives
Ornamental plants
For an aesthetically pleasing garden, we choose plants with bright flowers, interesting foliage or interesting shapes. Annuals, perennials, shrubs and trees can all play a role in an ornamental garden.
Edible plants
If you want a nourishing garden, opt for vegetables, fruit and herbs suited to your garden’s climate and soil. And don’t forget crop rotation to maintain soil health in the vegetable garden.
Berries, currants, gooseberries, blueberries and raspberries are easy to grow and produce fruit quickly. I find them indispensable in any garden.
Low-maintenance plants
For a low-maintenance garden, you can select local or drought-resistant plants. These plants require less water and care once established.
I like agapanthus and daylilies, for example, which, once well established, require absolutely no maintenance.
You’ll love this article on my 16 favorite maintenance-free flowering plants tested in my garden.
5. Special Considerations
Native plants
Native plants are adapted to the local climate and soil, which generally makes them more resistant to disease and pests. They also support local wildlife, including pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Disease-resistant plants
To avoid plant health problems, we’ll be looking for varieties that are resistant to the diseases common in our region. I’m thinking in particular of the new rose varieties, which are now more resistant. I’m also thinking of fruit trees. It’s often better to graft a fruit tree that’s producing well from a neighboring garden than to buy from a garden center.
Companion plants
Some plants thrive best when planted close to other specific species. Companion planting can help repel pests, improve pollination, and maximize growing space.
6. Planning and design
Garden plan
A well-thought-out garden plan helps to organize the space and choose the right plants for each section. Draw a diagram of your garden, noting sunny and shady areas and soil types. Personally, I can’t do it at all. I plant as I feel like it. And you can move plants around if they don’t like it in one place.
Rotations and successions
For vegetable gardens, crop rotation is essential to prevent soil exhaustion and the spread of disease. Successive plantings also optimize the use of space and ensure continuous harvests.
7. Care and Maintenance
Watering
It’s important to understand the water requirements of each plant and adopt appropriate watering techniques. Drip irrigation systems can be particularly effective in saving water. But they’re restrictive because they have to be uninstalled every autumn as the garden is constantly evolving. So I’ve given up drip irrigation in favor of waterless plants.
Fertilization
It’s better to use organic than chemical fertilizers, depending on your plants’ needs and the results of soil tests. But that’s up to you. Each gardener has his own garden. The important thing is to enjoy yourself.
Composting is a great way to enrich your soil naturally.
Pruning and trimming
Some plants require regular pruning to encourage growth or flowering, or to maintain a particular shape. Monty Don books are a useful reference, as we forget from one year to the next.
Conclusion
Choosing the right plants for your garden requires research and planning, but the results are well worth the effort. By taking into account your climate, soil, sun exposure and personal goals, you can create a beautiful, productive and sustainable garden. Don’t hesitate to experiment and adjust your plant selection over time to find what works best in your unique space.
With these tips and strategies, you’re well equipped to transform your garden into a botanical paradise. Happy planting!
