Here are some useful factors to consider when you are choosing plants for your garden. The more variables you know, the better you can site the correct plants for your space!

•  SUN CONDITIONS: Full sun (6+ hours), part sun (4-6 hours), shade (0-4 hours). Is it gentle morning sun or intense afternoon? How does the light change from summer to winter?

• WATER CONDITIONS: Is the planting area going to get regular irrigation or stay wet year-round? Is it a dry site that requires drought-tolerant plants? Or, the most common in the PNW: wet in the winter and dry in the summer? Are you able to water for the first year or two to help plants establish?

• SOIL CONDITIONS: What kind of soil do you have? Is it more clay or more sandy/cobbles? Do you have good drainage or are there areas of standing water in wet winter months? Has the soil been damaged from urban development and compaction? Is it a new garden space or an existing one?

• LOCAL SURROUNDINGS: What other trees/plants are in the garden space? Are they deciduous or evergreen? Will they provide localized shade? Is it adjacent to an urban area or a natural area? Next to concrete or buildings that will reflect heat? Next to high-traffic areas or pathways?

• GARDENING GOALS: Why do you garden? For beauty and aesthetics? For maximum wildlife/ecological value? For site function, like a privacy hedge or family-friendly space? How important is low-maintenance? Are edible plants important to you? Do you need to be careful about poisonous plants (kids/pets/allergies)? Do you want plants to be as native to your area as possible, or are you willing to consider species from other parts of the diverse PNW ?