The Catalogs Have Arrived - But It's Too Early to Plant -
A Strategy to Assess What You Really Need
Mary Ann Walz

As far as I’m concerned, gardening catalogs arrive at the perfect time of the year. The holidays are over and there’s a bit of a letdown, it’s way too cold to do much outside, and the beautiful photos of plants, garden tools, pots, and ornaments are a joy to look at. It’s a time to dream, plan, and decide what I really need for the planting season ahead. A considered approach will help me avoid mistakes.

Existing beds – what was missing?

Try to recall what empty spots you may have had or if a specific height, texture or color would make the bed more interesting. A photo, if you took one, would really help this process. Think through the three major phases of the growing season, spring, summer and fall.

Is it suitable for my garden?

Gazing through a catalog I am attracted to a plant called Zephyranthes candida (White Rain Lily). It has chive-like foliage and stunning white flowers resembling lilies. However, it is only suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7-10. Not a good choice for my zone 4 garden. In addition to hardiness zone, check on what kind of exposure (full sun, full shade, partial shade) a plant likes and see if its needs match your site. Water needs and preferred kind of soil are other considerations.

Buying for a new bed

Last fall you began amending the soil for a new bed in your garden but you don’t know what plants to use. Think of the plants that are most successful in your current beds and consider using some of those plants in the new bed. Then use catalogs as a means to get ideas for other plants. Once you’ve found a plant that is appealing, do a little more research to see if it’s really like the photo. A picture of a blossom does not reveal the complete characteristics of the plant.

Shop globally, buy locally

Although I have purchased plants from catalogs, I have purchased far more from local nurseries. I like to be able to see the plant in person and have confidence in the reputation of the local nursery personnel. Generally, I use catalogs as an aide in my planning and design for the summer garden.

Experiment

Don’t feel you have to follow all the advice I just gave. I’m planning to order two blueberry bushes this spring, knowing that my soil is not appropriate for their cultivation. I will have to make the soil more acidic but I want to try. Afterall, if we never take a risk, we’ll never know what might have succeeded.

Hope you enjoy your catalogs as much as I do.

Find out more about how the Santa Fe Botanical Garden celebrates, cultivates and conserves the rich botanical heritage and biodiversity of the region. Visit www.santafebotanicalgarden.org