If you’re excited to try your hand at gardening or landscaping but aren’t sure where to start, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Outdoor plants can transform your garden, balcony, or patio into a lush and inviting space, and gardening for beginners can be easy and fun! With a few handy tips and the right plants, you’ll be on your way to a green thumb in no time.
Planting a garden does more than simply beautify your space; gardens attract pollinators, provide shade, and enhance your home’s curb appeal. Plus, spending time in a garden is a great way to reduce stress, get fresh air, and connect with nature.
To choose outdoor plants that are resilient and forgiving, prioritize those that are drought-tolerant, disease-resistant, and require minimal or no pruning.
Ready to get growing? These eight easy-grow plants will make your yard feel like an instant win!
- Suntastic™ Pink Abelia adds a splash of color to the landscape with flushes of pink flowers and bright variegated foliage. This heat-tolerant and water-wise evergreen doesn’t require pruning and thrives in full sun.
- ‘Sunshine’ Ligustrum: A striking evergreen shrub with radiant golden-yellow foliage that’s perfect for sunny spaces. Its low-maintenance nature features pest and disease resistance, as well as tolerance to salt or clay soils.
- Carex EverColor® ‘Everillo’ and ‘Everest’ illuminate shady areas with vibrant hues, ideal for adding textural interest or a pop of color. Carex can be planted en masse as an easy-care groundcover that won’t require any pruning.
- Purple Daydream® Dwarf Loropetalum: This versatile shrub tolerates part shade to full sun and boasts deep purple coin-shaped foliage year-round, contrasted by dark pink fringe flowers in spring.
- Yewtopia® Plum Yew: A hardy and slow-growing evergreen for shade with a compact growth habit that requires minimal pruning to retain its tidy shape.
- ‘Soft Caress’ Mahonia: A unique and low-maintenance shrub for shade with masses of soft, fern-like foliage and yellow blooms in winter.
- Diamond Spire® Gardenia is known for intoxicatingly fragrant blooms in late spring and summer, contrasted by picturesque glossy green leaves. Thrives in full sun in cooler climates and part sun in warmer regions.
- Fire Chief™ Arborvitae: Perfect for creating care-free hedges or adding structure to your garden. Vibrant evergreen foliage changes color throughout the year in full sun to part shade.
Essentials for Outdoor Plant Care
Starting with outdoor plants doesn’t require a lot of fancy equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Sunlight Knowledge: Observe your outdoor space to understand how much sun it gets. Some plants need full sun, while others prefer partial shade. Your yard’s sun exposure changes based on the sun’s position from hour to hour, so check the space you have in mind throughout the day to fully understand its exposure.
- Soil Preparation: Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden. Use compost or garden soil to enrich your planting area, and check the plant’s tag to see what kind of soil it thrives in. Not sure what kind of soil you have? Your state’s extension agency offers tools and resources for understanding soil conditions in your local area.
- Watering Tools: A garden hose with a sprayer or watering wand is essential. Consider a soaker hose for larger areas.
- Mulch: An application of mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots from temperature fluctuations.
- Pruners and Gloves: Use these top tools for trimming and handling plants with ease.
Where to Buy Outdoor Plants
You can find outdoor plants at local nurseries, garden centers, or online stores like PlantsByMail.com, which offers a wide selection of beginner-friendly plants and gardening tools.
Enjoy the Journey!
Starting your outdoor plant journey is an exciting and rewarding endeavor. By choosing the right plants, understanding their needs, and embracing the joys of gardening, you can transform any outdoor area into a vibrant and inviting haven. Remember, gardening is a journey of growth—not just for your plants, but for you too!
