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I see a lot of sad-looking plants through- out the growing season. Usually after playing detective, many times the plants' struggles are due to improper care. The two main culprits are either over- or under-care of the plants in question. So, before the growing season is upon us, I would like to spend some time on plant care. But before we talk about actual plant care, we first need to address putting the right plants in the right place. Plant care is null and void if the plant is struggling right from the start. By being in the wrong environment it puts the plant in a lot of stress and it will struggle whether we properly care for it or not. The first step is to get to know your land- scape. Your landscape environment can vary dramatically from one area to another, especially if you live in a more urban loca- tion. It is a great idea to do a drawing of the area and take notes on where you are thinking of adding plants. So what are some things we are taking notes on in each location? Let's start with light availability, intensi- ty and duration. How much sun does the area receive, if any? Is it a cool morning sun or a scorch- ing afternoon sun? How long is it receiving sun? Although 6 hours of sun is considered full sun, these hours must be roughly between 9:30 in the morning to 3:30 in the afternoon. Even if it is getting six hours of sun from let's say 6 in the morning until noon, that is not considered full sun. It is actually best to time when the sun begins and ends in each location. We then need to look at water availabili- ty. Is it going to be easy or hard to water, if needed? Plants that need more water, try to keep closer to your water source. Plants that require less water can be further away, or at "hose end" like we call it in the gar- dening world. We also need to look at other environ- mental exposures. Winds, solar reflection of any kind or unnaturally wet or dry areas are good examples. These are part of microclimates and are basically areas around your house that don't fit into the normal climate con- ditions. Anything out of the ordinary should be noted. Soil type, drainage and compaction should also be noted. Is your soil type clay, sand or something in-between? Does water drain quickly or is there standing water after a rain? Is the soil easily worked or hard to work, let's say from compaction from any type of traffic? This is probably the most important fac- tor since soil is the life blood of healthy plants. But the good thing is, this is one environmental factor we have some control over and can upgrade. There are other factors such as competi- tion from other plants, insect and disease resistance, deer or other animal presence, below ground conditions, again especially in urban areas, and above ground condi- tions such as utility wires or other obstruc- tions. Note anything that might be a prob- lem. All of this is crucial to know before we even begin to select and care for plants. Don't ever buy a plant just because you like it if it isn't going to work in your envi- ronment. You are doomed to fail. By know- ing your environment and then shopping, along with proper care, your plants will be healthier and give you years of beauty and enjoyment. Happy gardening! (Michael Timm is chief horticulturalist for Ebert's Greenhouse Village in Ixonia.) HOME FEBRUARY 2023 6 Finding the right plant for the right place MICHAEL TIMM Michael Timm A variety of plants in different growing conditions can be seen in this photo. Light, wind, water availability, and soil type and drainage are just some of the factors to consider in finding the right plant for the right place. Michael Timm Michael Timm maintains a dry berm with drought-resistant plants in his own yard. Michael Timm Perennial sunflowers are seen in full sun. Horticulturalist Michael Timm describes full sun as six hours but not just any time of day. It should be between approximately 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.