Choosing Plants with Purpose

A Deeper Look at Plant Selection

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I come from a family of gardeners. Our yard growing up was filled mostly with perennials and a few shrubs. Some of the plants I remember most? A quince from my great-grandmother—she called it “japonica.” Tall summer phlox, nandina and a large pittosporum my mother regularly trimmed for greenery in bouquets.

Later, as a student at Texas A&M, my favorite course was Woody Ornamentals. We studied the campus landscape, plant by plant—learning the characteristics, seasonal changes, and how each one functioned in the design. That course shaped my perspective more than any other. Since then, I’ve grown and observed hundreds of ornamental plants.

People often ask me, “What’s your favorite plant?” Truthfully, I don’t have just one. Some I’m not so fond of—but every plant is interesting. And more importantly, every plant is particular. It has preferences, strengths, and the right place in the landscape.

So, let’s talk about plant selection—not just by looks, but by purpose.