Plan Plantings In Context

By Phran Novelli

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Whatever assets a tree or shrub has naturally, it's up to you as a gardener to make the most of them by picking the right place to plant it.

Look around this time of year and you'll see that even trees that might not have the most spectacular fall color can be enhanced if they're planted in the right place.

One tree in my yard has leaves that turn a light yellow in autumn – the color's OK, but not as zappy as the oranges and bright reds we all look for in the fall. But because it's planted in front of trees that stay green a month longer, its golden leaves look great for the two weeks before they drop.

It's a good reminder that where you plant things can be as important as what you plant and also, to think about how plants will look in each season.

So, take a glance at the fall foliage on trees and shrubs you see around town — and think not only about which ones you might want to plant, but exactly where you'd put them to show off their true colors to best advantage.