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+--- Thread: How do you choose? (/showthread.php?tid=468)
How do you choose? - Small chilli - 12-08-2020
How do you choose what flowers / shrubs / trees to grow?
I lean more towards bee & butterfly friendly. But then I also go with colour & shape. I’ve just learned that there’s a plant called angels fishing rod
. I now MUST have one for my garden. That’s just the coolest name. So like with a lot of the veg I try for the first time, I’m drawn by the name as well 
.I don’t do anything sensible like choose a plant for its size or suitable for the Mull climate or the location I want to grow it.
Am I the only one that does this ?
RE: How do you choose? - Veggie - 12-08-2020
Most of the stuff I grow isn't an active choice - its whatever comes my way, hopefully free.
I agree about the traditional interesting names, like angels fishing rod but some of the names the seed companies give their new varieties are a bit suspect - tempting without substance.
I've sometimes though of growing a "menagerie" - plants named after animals, even dandelions!
RE: How do you choose? - Small chilli - 12-08-2020
Do it
. That would be brilliant. Tiger lily & red shank ( pain in the ar$e wild flower & a wader ). Dog violet & dog wood. Catnip. I’ll keep thinking .
RE: How do you choose? - Veggie - 12-08-2020
Its a bit late for me to start from scratch - you however?
RE: How do you choose? - Small chilli - 12-08-2020
Think I’ll stick to my very random method of plant choice. I’m sure there will be a few with animal names amongst them
. Definitely not the thug red shank though .
RE: How do you choose? - PyreneesPlot - 12-08-2020
For buying -
Is it on offer?
Is it in the sad & reduced section?
Is it cold (less important) and drought (more important) resistant?
What does it give the wildlife?
Have I got room for it?
For give aways - almost always yes please, which is why I have lemon balm, mint, primroses and alpine strawberries rampaging though my herb garden!
RE: How do you choose? - Veggie - 12-08-2020
Does it need cossetting/ digging up to overwinter?
That's why dahlias and geraniums have to tough it outdoors here. If they're don't make it to spring, its their fault, not mine.
RE: How do you choose? - Small chilli - 12-08-2020
Agree with that whole heartedly. No pampering will be taking place. Deal with it plant
.
RE: How do you choose? - Jimny14 - 13-08-2020
I'm quite happy to let everything get on and fight it out in the garden. If anything arrives that I dont recognise I tend to let it grow on until I can get an ID. As long at is doesn't go to seed without knowing what it is. If I like it and it is controllable it can stay. If it's a gift it gets planted in the most suitable space I've got, if it's free it get planted where there is space. If its cuttings they get put in a variety of places (different situations) and then removed if too many take and they risk taking over.
If they req lifting, fleecing, baby sitting it doesn't happen, I dont currently have time to baby sit the garden. (I occasionally net fruit bushes but that's about it).
RE: How do you choose? - Admin - 13-08-2020
I am not a plant or shrub lover, however I do like Cytisus battandieri, smells like pineapple and bees love it