Right Plant, Right Place

Every street has one: the little conifer someone bought for the front bed that now blots out the front window. Or the shade-loving fern on a baking patio, crisping every July. Neither was a bad plant. Each was a good plant in the wrong place.

Right plant, right place means reading the spot first, then choosing a plant that wants what it offers. Start with the two things you can't easily change: light and moisture. Those narrow the list fast: ferns and hostas for shady, damp corners; lavender and rosemary for hot, dry ones. Then check cold, soil and space. A plant that matches its place needs less watering, feeding and rescuing, though even the best match needs care while it settles in.