In part 1, we developed several plans each inventorying the existing conditions and potential changes. In this article, making lists of desirable plants and their particular characteristics as related to your landscape needs is helpful. An easy way to keep track of the information is developing a plant matrix or chart of plants for your landscape. This is an easy way to organize information on each plant species. The matrix allows you to compare the differences which help in elimination of those plants that won’t fit a particular location. This matrix will allow you to match plants together on the basis of flower color, water use or sun exposure.

Start by looking at plant books, catalogs, etc. and then select plants that interest you. Visit garden local garden centers and make notes on plants that you like. Look for trees, shrubs and perennials that will add season long or year round color. For example select plants with fragrant spring flowers, lush green summer colors and brilliant array of fall colors. Maybe your only interested is in flowering plants or fall coloration. You can cut the pictures out of the catalogs, move them around on your landscape plan or make a mini-scrap book with information on each species. Do not limit your selections at this point. If a plant is not hardy but you like the fall or flower colors, there may be another species that can be used.

It’s easier to make your matrix or table on the computer for the ease of moving or changing the data. List individual plants on the left hand side column of your plant matrix. List the various characteristics across the top. Fill in the information in the blanks. The major characteristics you will want to list include climatic requirements, plant growth, aesthetic beauty and economical factors. Climatic requirements include items such as winter hardiness zone, sunlight and water requirements. Plant growth includes plant size at maturity, growth rate and competition with other plants. Aesthetic beauty includes flower and foliage color, seasonal attractiveness (spring, summer, fall, winter) foliage and whole plant texture (coarse, medium, fine). You might want to include or add later a few columns for price comparisons.

You may want to make more than one plant matrix based on certain general characteristics of your yard. For example, one matrix maybe developed for plants that require partial sunlight, moderate moisture for a backyard that has a few trees and shrubs but shady for most of the day and humid. The opposite would be a list of plants that require low water requirements and full sun for an exposed open portion of the yard.

Why develop a plant matrix? There are so many books on landscape plants and nursery catalogues available for information. The problem is having these in a one or to page chart to make comparisons and final selection for homeowners. The plant matrix is an excellent way of organizing this information. The plant matrix is an easy tool to help you in developing a landscape plan.

Top Row of Matrix Headings
Plant Name
Hardiness Zone
Sun/Shade Exposure
Water Use
Growth Rate
Mature Size
Flower Color
Foliage Color
Seasonal Color
Texture
etc.

First Column Headings and spaces below each for individual plant names

Trees
#1
#2
#3
#4
Shrubs
#1
#2
#3
Perennial Plants
#1
#2
#3

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