Choose shade-tolerant perennials, groundcovers, and shrubs. Matching plants to site conditions available in your garden or landscape is critical. Take time this winter to research plant needs before deciding to plant them. Consider replacing existing plants that have chronic problems due to a site or climate mismatch. Finally, weather conditions also enter the picture as a major factor in the success or failure of landscape plantings.
Cold winters can damage or kill sensitive species.
Rainy weather during bloom can reduce pollination and thus yields of apples and other food crops. Dry weather, such as much of the last half of the 1999 season, can also be detrimental to the performance of many plants. Keep all these factors in mind as you review the 1999 season and look ahead to 2000.