Plan Your Plantings

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Did you see that? There's a lot of beautiful stuff that goes on in a garden that you might miss if you plant things the wrong way. Thinking ahead is a skill worth developing before you plant anything more than an annual - trees, shrubs or perennials that you want to enjoy for years to come.

Knowing how each plant will grow is key. So, when you pick plants, check the tag, read up a little about the cultivars you're choosing so you can plan a bit. Put the taller things in back, and arrange plants by when they'll bloom so they don't block or fight with each other, but instead compliment one another.

Years ago, we planted a small Franklinia tree in front of a tall spruce tree in our yard on purpose. Not only does it protect our little tree from winter winds, but now, with the Franklinia's leaves at the height of their scarlet color, the evergreen in the background hugely enhances the effect of the fall foliage in front of it.