What are some of the key factors to consider when selecting plants for a site-specific landscape design?

1 Climate and microclimate

One of the first factors to consider when selecting plants for a site-specific landscape design is the climate and microclimate of the area. Climate refers to the long-term patterns of temperature, precipitation, humidity, and wind in a region, while microclimate refers to the local variations of these factors within a site. For example, a site may have sunny, shady, dry, or moist areas depending on the topography, orientation, and surrounding structures. You should choose plants that are adapted to the climate and microclimate of your site, as they will have better chances of survival, growth, and performance. You can use climate zones, hardiness zones, and heat zones to guide your plant selection, as well as observe the existing vegetation and soil conditions on your site.

2 Design intent and function

Another factor to consider when selecting plants for a site-specific landscape design is the design intent and function of the space. Design intent refers to the overall concept, theme, or style that you want to achieve with your landscape design, while function refers to the practical purposes or roles that the plants will serve in the space. For example, you may want to create a naturalistic, formal, or contemporary landscape design, and you may want to use plants for screening, shading, framing, accentuating, or attracting wildlife. You should choose plants that match your design intent and function, as they will help you create a coherent, harmonious, and effective landscape design. You can use plant forms, textures, colors, and seasonal variations to enhance your design intent and function, as well as consider the maintenance and management requirements of the plants.

3 Site context and character

A third factor to consider when selecting plants for a site-specific landscape design is the site context and character. Site context refers to the surrounding environment, land use, culture, and history of the area, while site character refers to the unique features, qualities, and identity of the space. For example, a site may be located in an urban, suburban, or rural setting, and it may have historical, cultural, or ecological significance. You should choose plants that respect and complement your site context and character, as they will help you create a sensitive, appropriate, and meaningful landscape design. You can use native, endemic, or introduced plants to reflect your site context and character, as well as consider the ecological and social impacts of your plant selection.

5 Client preferences and expectations

A fifth factor to consider when selecting plants for a site-specific landscape design is the client preferences and expectations. Client refers to the person or entity that hires you or commissions you to do the landscape design, while preferences and expectations refer to their likes, dislikes, needs, and wants for the space. For example, your client may have a personal or professional interest in certain types of plants, and they may have specific goals or requirements for the landscape design. You should choose plants that satisfy your client preferences and expectations, as they will help you build trust, rapport, and satisfaction with your client. You can use surveys, interviews, or workshops to communicate and collaborate with your client, as well as present your plant selection with sketches, plans, or models.