We have become aware of how the sun moves through the garden. We know we have to make decisions about how large a tree or shrub should get. What we haven’t paid much attention to is the “you factor”. The thumb turns greener through observation and awareness. So let’s talk about you.

We at HG very seldom get plants returned to us. We try like the dickens to have the best plants around. We order from quality growers, we take care of our plants from proper watering to primping. So when someone does bring back a dead plant, and tells me “it didn’t look good when they bought it…”, well, that really frosts my foliage. We have literally thousands of plants, there aren't too many (any??) that escape daily quality inspections. Once a plant leaves HG, we no longer have any control how it is being cared for. Gosh for all I know, your neighbor’s huge dog is peeing on that lovely shrub you just planted every morning! Maybe you don’t even know it! The mailman stepped on it. The kids threw a basketball on it. Your honey used too much Miracle Gro. Weed killer (ugh!!) drifted over from a lawn where dandelions and clover were being persecuted for no good reason. (Not your lawn, of course.) So past the “who knew?” things, there is personal responsibility.

Which brings me to the actual reason for this article. YOU. Are you an underwater-er or an overwater-er? You have to be aware of YOU and how you care for your garden. Once you have that figured out, you can choose plants that are happy for which ever care you are providing. I have started to ask more gardeners this question as I realize its importance. If you are a gardener who loves to love on your plants- watering and fertilizing regularly, mothering, primping and trimming, then certain plants will love that kind of extra attention. Some gardeners, however, buy the plant, water it when they put it in, and then, well, the plant is on its own. You would be the “underwater-ers”. Although that type of initial planting style leaves much to chance, a lot of gardeners get away with it thru well timed rain storms and plant choices. Alot of plants go to plant heaven due to improper watering. 

If you are an “underwater-er” type of gardener, there are plants that will love you back. This is not a neglectful style of gardening, it is the reality of how little time most of us have to spend in our garden. Choose plants with fuzzy, thick, or blue or silver foliage. These are ways the plants tell you they like dry. Sedums, Pervoskia (Russian Sage), Stachys (Lamb’s Ears), Delosperma (Ice Plant) Echinacea (Coneflower). If you are an “overwater-er” these kinds of plants are not going to be happy at all, and most likely will succumb to crown rot. Mother Nature has provided plants for every spot on earth. You just have to look around at HG with one of our helpful nursery staff (where else would you be?) to find the plant that will appreciate your care style. Mix that in with your sun/shade aspect, soil drainage, and how big you want the plant to get and watch your thumb is getting greener and greener, while your garden grows.

Treat yourself to a Dramm watering wand and water with wild abandon or hardly at all. Be aware and pick the plants who love you for you.

Happy Planting! ~Erica