March has lived up to its reputation of being unpredictable with all four seasons appearing randomly throughout the month.

Hopefully the garden is now up to par with weeds under control and ground ready for planting, the question now is simply what to plant, or is it that simple?

Several questions should be considered before striding off to the nursery and loading up with the first plants that are viewed and in flower.

First impressions can often be costly, and I’m talking about plants that are not suitable for the location that is their new home. A simple statement but not always obvious, a plant in a six-inch pot is the same plant when it’s in the ground and growing, so knowing its characteristics before you buy eliminates problems down the road. Keep in mind the rule of thumb, the top growth of a tree equals its root growth, just look at the Poinciana, Ebony tree and Indian Laurels to name a few whose root systems are the bane of the homeowner usually when it is too late.

Foundation planting is the group of plants that make up the major part of the garden, be they trees, shrubs or palms; they are by their very nature the larger dominant species hence the name foundation planting. As with all types of plants size is varied and this is important especially in newer properties where the size of property is perhaps a quarter to half an acre in size which will house the building, driveway, parking and what is left becomes the garden.

Trees for small properties are limited in species in Bermuda, especially when coupled with the location of the property as wind and salt spray can be quite destructive to plants which are sensitive to same.

Some recommendations if you can find them: Parkinsonia aculeata — Jerusalem Thorn, an ethereal appearance to this small to medium height around 20 feet with fine feather-like foliage, yellow flowers and thorns on stems; being of a light and open branch system it is not overpowering, requires a sheltered location.

Lagunaria pattersonii — Norfolk Island Hibiscus has mauve flowers attains a height to approximately 20 feet or so in Bermuda and requires a sheltered location where is will retain its foliage for a good part of the year. Sabinea carinalis — Carib Wood, is the national flower of Dominica; a small tree with scarlet flowers also requires a sheltered location.

For a more exposed location consider Thespesia populnea — Seaside Mahoe an evergreen to 30 feet with yellow and mauve flowers. Terminalia muelleri — Australian almond leafless for short period, attains a height to 30 feet, small white flowers followed by a small almond shaped seed. The loquat, Eriobotrya japonica is a multi-faceted plant being evergreen, producing flower followed by edible fruit, it is an ideal contender for most areas as it is not overly large in habit.

A favourite tree in the landscape though unfortunately not often seen in nurseries is Allspice, Pimenta dioica which again has multi-functional attributes; it is evergreen has attractive flower heads followed by the seed and a wonderful contrasting bark. They can achieve a good height in time but with regular maintenance can be kept in check; they make a real statement when planted in a copse effect.

For the olfactory senses on a summer evening the wafting nuances of the Franjipani tree Plumeria rubra is hard to beat. The hybrids have a far richer flower colour are should be used in such a way they are viewed from above as the flowers tend to float on the canopy of the foliage. If you have the space for a larger tree consider Spathodea campanulata — African Tulip Tree with its brilliant red tulip shaped flower festooning the head of the tree appear in spring and again in late summer.

Placement is important to get the best out of the selected plant with size of plant being vital to its location as root spread is a major problem if there is a weak spot in the building foundations. Top growth is a problem if allowed to grow over the roof as foliage has a habit of blocking down-spouts and ‘souring’ water in the tank.

Shade can also be a factor with neighbouring plantings as well as usage of available soil water. As a rule of thumb consider the spread of the root zone being equal to the spread of the canopy or top growth; you see the top growth but do not think about the root zone as the tree grows. Pruning back the top growth does not give relief below ground level as roots will continue to grow regardless.

When selecting a tree the importance of its location in the garden is a primary concern as plants in general have characteristics regarding hardiness/tenderness which dictates the selection process. When visiting the nursery check the size of the plant in relation to its pot size as a ‘big’ tree in a small pot indicates it may be pot bound i.e. its root ball has girdled itself in the pot, not a good sign and such a plant should be ignored. Look for a good straight trunk with height as that is the sign of a plant with potential; a tree by its very nature has a trunk to six feet or so plus before it starts to develop a ‘head’ or branch system.

The cost of removing a tree, including the root, can be expensive both in terms of money and collateral damage to the surrounding area, therefore research your selection before buying, it is a long-term investment with growth being the long term goal.