Just like a blank canvas or empty house, to plan a garden can be difficult. More specifically, it can be hard to choose what to plant and which plants go together.

Most people often consider which plants are easy to maintain. For example, the bougainvillea has become unpopular with many despite its bright and beautiful flowers, because they fall off easily and end up all over the ground.

Then there’s also the issue of whether a plant you like is suited for your home and lifestyle.

Here are some facts and tips to take into account:

Bougainvillea has become an unpopular choice despite its bright and beautiful flowers, because they fall off easily and end up all over the ground.

Trees

Before you plant a tree, consider if it is needed or suitable. For e.g. if a wall is face west, a tree might be good to cast a shade.

Planting trees require particular planning as overgrown trees may hang over your house, or worse, create cracks on your walls. The average link-house has approximately 10 feet between the front of your home and the outer wall. If the local council or a neighbour has already planted a tree outside, you might not want to add any more, given these considerations.You would also want to choose the type of tree carefully so as not to take up valuable space or ruin it if it has to fight underground for space and nutrients. Leafy types may also cast a shade, which would be useful if the shade is cast on a West-facing wall, to minimise the heat that builds up towards the end of the day.Managing your tree

As your tree is growing, look at its canopy (the diameter created by its furthest branches). How big it is determines how wide its roots will grow. Overly spread roots can be dangerous in a home.

Controlling and trimming is key.

In our tropical weather, it is especially important to keep close tabs, so that they do not grow out of proportion.

Tip: Keep trimming the shoots and then the canopy as your tree is growing, so that the growth of roots would also be contained. Trimming should start from the beginning, as roots grow in tangent with the canopy to keep it balanced and well-fed. In addition, a root guard can also be used.

With enough attention, even a five-foot space works.

If you’re unable to keep consistent tabs, however, especially during the growth period, then you might want to re-think planting a tree. After all, the worst thing is to plant a tree then having to chop it off. Unfortunately, this is quite prevalent here, which is a sad thing.

As your tree is growing, look at its canopy. Its size determines how wide its roots will grow.

Overseas, it has become a normal part of gardening to trim one's trees. It is a habit we should also cultivate, as it can be a “therapeutic” routine for us.