How to Focus Your Garden Fever & Sidestep a Case of Plant-plop-itus!

It's spring and my garden fever is running high. If you're like me, you're full-on in plant acquisition and garden-making mode.

This spring frenzy is invigorating and fun, but when you're caught up in the passion of the moment, it can be easy to lose focus when you're surrounded by so many tempting plants at your favorite nursery. Later, at home, you may find yourself wandering around your garden looking for a spot to plop your newest treasure.

Would you like to fend off a case of plant-plop-itus when you get home from your nursery excursion? The tips below will help you hone in on the best plants for your garden.

I rarely think of plants as individuals—instead, I view them as playing a role in an ensemble performance. This is so central to how I think about planting design that I've written a number of posts to share my take on this idea. These are just a few of the posts, and will provide tips for training yourself to think in this way:

Stronger together than each alone, a strategy for picking plants.
When selecting flowering shrubs, look for those that give more. Three seasons of garden goodness is not too much to ask.
Even common plants, paired with the right partner(s), can become a very satisfying focal point in your garden.
When thinking in this way, focusing on the details can lead to magical results.
Remain focused, but flexible: these tips for finding suitable substitutes will come in handy when you don't find exactly what you're looking for at the nursery.

If you're looking for a plant to fulfill a certain function—for example, divide space or screen an unsightly view; provide all-season structure; create an overhead canopy to provide shade; or cover the ground to prevent erosion—remain focused on selecting a plant that will get the desired deed done, preferably with beauty, grace and style that spans multiple seasons.

Once you've got these concrete needs addressed, you're free to focus on desire! But whether you're searching for a plant you're excited about or for a plant to do a specific job, use our powerful and unique filters to search for plants or planting combinations by aesthetic or functional criteria.