Choosing the right plants for long-term success
Customer: Darrell, I just hired a company to redesign my garden. It looked amazing at first! But after one winter, so many plants died… I don’t get it.
Darrell: I see. Let me ask you this: Do you know if those plants were actually suited for Vancouver’s climate?
Customer: Uh… I think so? I picked the ones I liked, and they said they could plant them…
Darrell: Just because a plant looks good doesn’t mean it will survive! Vancouver has wet, rainy winters. If you plant heat-loving or drought-prone species, they won’t stand a chance.
Customer: Oh no… does that mean I wasted my money?
Darrel: Not wasted—just a learning experience! But let me ask you this: Do you want a garden that looks perfect for a month, or one that thrives for 10 years?
Customer: Of course, I want it to last!
Darrell: Then we need to do it right from the start. Choosing plants isn’t just about what looks good—it’s about the soil, the climate, drainage, and even how big the plants will get over time. I’ve seen people plant willows near their house without realizing that in a few years, the roots will invade their pipes and foundations.
Customer: Oh wow! I never even thought about that…
Darrell: Most people only think about how a plant looks today—they don’t think about what it will become tomorrow. A small, cute tree today can turn into a monster that destroys your yard in just a few years!
Customer: So how do I choose the right plants from the start?
Darrell: You pick plants that work with nature, not against it. Native plants like Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, and Sword Fern don’t just survive here—they thrive, with little effort on your part.
Customer: I love this way of thinking… I don’t want to make the same mistake again!
Darrell: Exactly! A garden isn’t just something you look at—it’s something you live with. Do you want your garden to be a masterpiece that lasts for decades, or a costly mistake you have to fix next year?
Customer: I want a garden that makes me proud every time I look at it!
Darrell: Perfect! Then let’s start making the right choices today. Don’t let your garden be a lesson in regret—let it be a place you truly love.
