Landscape Design and Landscaping by Martin Palma

When planning a garden, selecting the right plants is a crucial step that determines how harmonious and sustainable the landscape will be. To ensure that plants thrive on your property and bring visual delight, it’s essential to consider the climate conditions, soil type, and landscape features. At Ecolandscape Studio, we begin every project with a detailed analysis of these factors. In this article, we share our experience and recommendations to help you choose the right plants for your garden.

How Climate Affects Plant Selection

The climate in your region directly influences which plants will thrive and develop well. By considering temperature, rainfall, humidity, and other climatic factors, you can choose plant species that are adapted to local conditions.

We work with clients across the country, and always begin with a climate analysis. For example, in a project in a southern region where summers are hot and dry, we selected drought-tolerant plants such as lavender, sage, and agaves. These plants require minimal watering, tolerate the heat well, and remain highly decorative.

In areas with cold winters, special attention should be given to selecting frost-resistant plants. For a country house project in a northern region, we chose evergreen conifers and frost-resistant varieties of roses, which not only survive freezing temperatures but also maintain their green color throughout winter.

When selecting plants, it’s important to assess how the climate in your region deviates from the average and adapt your choices based on specific weather conditions.

Soil: How Soil Type Affects Plant Selection

Soil type plays a key role in plant growth and development. Every soil type has its characteristics: clay soil retains water poorly, sandy soil loses it too quickly, while loamy soil offers the best conditions for plant growth.

If you have clay soil, plants may suffer from excessive moisture unless this factor is addressed. For example, we used peonies and irises in a project with clay soil. These plants not only look beautiful but also tolerate moisture well and help improve soil structure.

For sandy soil, which drains water quickly, plants with deep root systems are ideal. We recommend succulents like rosemary and sage, which are drought-tolerant and require minimal care.

Before choosing plants, it’s crucial to analyze the soil on your property to determine which plants will thrive in existing conditions. This is always the first step we take to offer our clients the best solution for their garden.

How to Consider Light and Terrain When Choosing Plants

The placement of plants also depends on the light conditions of the site. On sunny areas, plants that require high light levels, such as roses, ornamental grasses, and lavender, will thrive. Not only do these plants bring vibrant accents to the garden, but they also attract attention with their shape and color.

On shaded areas, we choose plants that do well without bright sunlight, such as ferns, hostas, and astilbes. These plants grow well in partial shade or full shade, creating green retreats for relaxation.

If your garden has a slope, this requires more careful landscaping. We create terraces and use plants with deep roots that help stabilize the slope and prevent soil erosion. For such conditions, plants like junipers, lavender, and others with powerful root systems are perfect.

How We Implement Projects at Ecolandscape Studio

At Ecolandscape Studio, we always start with a comprehensive analysis of the property — including climate, soil, terrain, and light conditions. This allows us to create a landscape that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional, where every element serves its purpose. We offer tailored solutions for each client, taking into account the unique characteristics of their property.

Our specialists develop projects that include not only plant selection but also efficient irrigation systems, drainage, and plant protection. We create sustainable, long-term solutions that provide optimal growing conditions for plants.

Martin Palma, founder of Ecolandscape Studio, emphasizes: “We always take the individual features of each property into account to create a harmonious ecosystem where plants will thrive, and the garden will bring joy to the owners for many years.”

Plant Selection for Your Garden

  • For hot and dry conditions: choose plants that are resistant to high temperatures and infrequent watering, such as lavender, sage, and succulents.
  • For cold regions: focus on plants that can withstand frost, like coniferous trees and frost-resistant rose varieties.
  • Clay soil: plants that tolerate waterlogged conditions, such as peonies, sedges, and irises, are the best choice for such areas.
  • Sandy soil: plants with deep roots, like rosemary and sage, which tolerate drought, will grow best in these conditions.
  • Shaded areas: ferns, hostas, and astilbes are excellent options for shade, creating cozy green corners in your garden.
  • Slopes: to stabilize soil on slopes, use plants with strong roots, such as lavender and juniper.


Selecting plants for your garden is a complex and multi-faceted process that requires considering the climate, soil type, light conditions, and terrain features of your site. At
Ecolandscape Studio, we help you select the plants that are perfectly suited to your property and will blend harmoniously into the overall landscape. Our specialists design customized projects that provide your plants with the ideal conditions for growth and prosperity.

If you want to create a garden that will delight you throughout the year, contact us. We will help you choose the plants that are perfectly suited for your property.