Martha Stewart’s “Right Plant, Right Place” Strategy Transformed My Spring Garden Plans
Whenever I’m seeking guidance on home-related things, I like to go straight to an expert. Sometimes that’s my mom or a friend. Although I don’t have a direct line to Martha Stewart for gardening advice, I did learn a lot from her new book, Martha Stewart’s Gardening Handbook: The Essential Guide to Designing, Planting, and Growing. Out of Martha’s 101 (!) books, this new one is her fifth work on gardening. So, needless to say, she’s a pretty established expert in fostering a successful home garden.
Martha Stewart's Gardening Handbook: The Essential Guide to Designing, Planting, and Growing
Amazon
$27.51 (was $40)
While the book contains gorgeous photos and really helpful knowledge on curating an attractive outdoor space, one particular element spoke to me: ensuring you have the correct plants in the best location for them. Stewart beautifully summarizes this point as “right plant, right place,” and some green-thumbs (including me) are claiming this as their seasonal motto.
What Is the “Right Plant, Right Place” Rule?
When curating your garden, select species that are right for your planting zone and place them where they’ll be granted the environment they need to prosper.
“Follow the mantra ‘right plant, right place,’” Martha suggests in the book. “Some extraordinary plant is bound to grow in practically every part of your landscape. An optimal growing environment is a blend of temperature, moisture, nutrients, and sunlight.”
I first learned this concept with my indoor plants, when I saw my pothos cower under the harsh sunlight by the window. I now have several pothos thriving throughout my house in filtered light instead, primarily on top of high cupboards (I have cats to consider) and in my shower. It only makes sense that the same application is true for outdoor plants.
This may feel like a no-brainer if you’re used to ruling out plants that don’t thrive in your region: While some flowers and trees may catch your eye, they might not be the right choice for either your environment or your yard. Have your eye on a gorgeous hibiscus? The tropical plant will thrive in Florida’s heat, while the cold winters of New England will send it shuddering.
While it’s always wise to familiarize yourself with your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone, Martha makes a point that choosing the right plant goes far beyond just a number on a tag. Rather, it’s about considering your plant choices from a holistic perspective and factoring in more nuanced information, like where the morning light hits your property, where the wind blows extra aggressively, or even where your kids tend to trample during a rowdy game of tag.
Like many things in life, being in the right place matters. Whether you picture a fruitful garden filled with cucumbers and leafy greens, or one bursting with colorful wildflowers, Martha’s newest book can help guide the way to the space you’ve always dreamed about — and one where your plants will flourish.
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