Selecting the right plants for a garden can make the difference between a well-kept area that sparks interest and a yard that looks out of place next to a home or just looks tired overall.

A critical part of the garden plan is picking those living materials that make the most sense for the style and location as well as the desired level of maintenance for the area.

Plant classification

Plant and tree classification includes a variety of factors. Woody plants have hard stems or trunks and are known as shrubs or trees based on their growth habits.  Herbaceous plants have soft, succulent stems and trunks, and they include flowers, some ground covers and bulbs.

Are leaves important in winter?

Deciduous trees lose their leaves for the winter, while evergreens stay green.  Annuals (one year), biennials (two years), and perennials (multiple years) are another criterion. Tropical plants are generally tender in El Dorado County, while hardy ones can survive the contrasts in local weather.

Plant growing environment

Climate factors create another level of classification for trees and plants. The macroclimate is the recommended geographic location where the plant will thrive. Plant hardiness zones are the best indicator of the general macroclimate for the garden.

More locally, each garden has its own microclimates. Setting a plant against a protected wall that is warmed by the sun or blocks the wind is an example of this in action.

Soil type and drainage, loamy or rocky soil, sun exposure and space for growth all effect this microclimate. Sometimes the right microclimate location can allow a plant that is borderline in terms of hardiness to thrive as well.

Plant habits

Reading the tags on plants and trees provides lots of great advice.  How big will the plant get, and how fast will it grow? What kind of root space will it need?  Light requirements, such as full sun, sun/shade, and full shade, also indicate the best locations for placement.

Scientific names

Nurseries have many different plants that fall within general categories. Visiting the local plant store and asking to look at "pines" or even "maples" will result in a long search through lots of different options.

It is best to know the scientific (Latin) name of a specific plant to make sure that the right one comes home to your garden. When in doubt, consult online and hard copy guides. These too will provide important commentary on the growing conditions and best selections for a garden plan. Good selection can mean years of happiness and a garden that is a pride to behold.

Saturday, March 19, UCCE/Master Gardeners will present Part 1 of Organic Gardening (Part 2 will be held the following Saturday, March 26). This free three-hour class begins at 9 a.m., and will be held in the Veterans Memorial Building, 130 Placerville Drive in Placerville.

The Master Gardener second annual Spring Plant Sale promises a great selection of annuals, vegetables and perennials. Also come and check out the selection of garden art.

Plan to stay for a demonstration on a popular gardening topic or bring your gardening hand tools to be sharpened by one of the Master Gardeners.

The sale will be held on Saturday, April 16, in the parking lot of the Veterans Memorial Building, 130 Placerville Drive in Placerville and benefits Master Gardener community outreach programs.

Master Gardeners are available to answer home gardening questions Tuesday through Friday, 9 a.m. to noon, by calling 530-621-5512. Walk-ins are welcome. The office is located at 311 Fair Lane in Placerville.

For more information about public education classes and activities, go to the Master Gardener Website at ceeldorado.ucdavis.edu/Master_Gardener/.