Foolproof Plants for Small Gardens

★ Your Search for the Perfect Plant is Over ★

Have you ever been bowled over by a stunning shrub or breath-taking perennial, only to discover that it doesn’t work in your climate zone or is too big for the intended space? For a gardener, this is the most painful sort of unrequited love. Whether your garden is small, large or exists only in your imagination, this app highlights some of the best options for plants that stay a manageable size.

*Who This App is For*

Beginning gardeners with small yards, balconies or courtyards.
Experienced gardeners who have downsized to a smaller home.
Large-space gardeners in search of inspiration for their smaller garden beds.
Anyone who appreciates an easy-to-navigate plant resource guide with detailed information on a range of high-performing plants.


*How This App Can Help You*

Most nurseries and catalogs sort plants by sun vs. shade or plant type. Why slog through aisles of plants searching for ones small enough to fit your garden, when its been narrowed down for you right here? Landscape designers and horticulturists from across the country have helped author Susan Morrison select nearly 100 of the best small-size ornamental plants, from trees that grow less than 25’ to shrubs smaller than 5’—not to mention well-behaved vines that won’t eat your house. Use this app to shop online, create a garden wish list, or take it along on your next nursery visit to instantly scout out the best plants for your garden.

*What This App Offers*

90+ plants in seven categories: trees, shrubs, perennials, vines, groundcovers and ornamental grasses plus a special bonus category.
Plant descriptions that include cultural requirements, maintenance tips, when to “proceed with caution” and alternate varieties.
Tags that let you narrow down your selection by USDA climate zone, flower color, drought tolerance and more.
Links to online nurseries and how-to videos.
Pronunciation guide for botanical names that is both written and recorded.
Step-by-step guidelines on sustainable planting practices, including sheet mulching.
Garden glossary.
Sunset zones included for Western gardeners.


For much less than the cost of replacing just one unhappy plant that expires at the first sign of neglect, seriously, how can you go wrong?




★ About the Author ★

Susan Morrison is a landscape designer, master gardener, and the co-author of Garden Up! Smart Vertical Gardening for Small and Large Spaces, an Amazon “Best Books of 2011” selection. Her designs have been featured in various publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle,Small Space Container Gardens and Fine Gardening, where she also contributes articles on design and plant selection.

Susan knows first-hand the challenges and rewards of gardening in a small space. Her own 18 by 50 foot back yard is a laboratory for fresh design ideas, a test garden for new plants and more importantly, the most popular “room” in her home on a summer evening.


★ About Sutro Media ★

This guide is published in partnership with Sutro Media. By enabling local writers to share their expertise on mobile phones, Sutro Media is making it easier and more fun to explore the world!

If you have any problems, comments, or suggestions for improvement, wed love to hear from you - [email protected]