How to Landscape Plants for Oklahoma

Wildflowers are one of the most treasured plants of the state. In fact, the Oklahoma Native Plant Society greatly encourages gardeners to grow the same native wildflowers that can be found on the flat terrain of the state. However, gardeners are not pigeonholed into growing just wildflowers. There are many plants that can survive Oklahoma's cold temperatures. Look at the USDA plant hardiness map to see whether you are in zone 6 or 7.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Paper
• Measuring tape
• Soil test
• Shovel
• Lime
• Sulfur
• Compost
• Builder's sand
• Terra cotta containers

Instructions

1. Draw a sketch of your yard. According to Cornell University, a sketch will allow you to see the overall landscape before deciding what to plant. Include immovable objects such as driveways, swimming pools, trees, outdoor structures and shrubbery. Measure the yard and transfer the measurements to the diagram.

2. Monitor the yard for a day and indicate on your diagram how much light each area receives in order to decide where to place your flowerbeds. Every flower has a preferred amount of sun it needs to survive. Many need a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of sunlight, while there are some that can grow in the shade.

3. Examine your yard's soil. Grab a handful soil and squeeze. If it is reddish and malleable in your hand, it may be port silt loam. Port silt loam is the official state soil of Oklahoma. This soil type is extremely fertile and can support a host of vegetables and plants. If your soil releases water, it may be clay. Clay soil has poor draining abilities and must be amended with 6 inches of both compost and builder's sand.

4. Check the pH of your soil. Purchase a soil testing kit from the Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service. Collect samples according to the kit's instructions and mail the soil off to the laboratory's address provided on the kit. Wait a few weeks for the results. Either use the results to determine what to grow in your yard or amend the soil. Amend acidic soil with lime and alkaline soil with sulfur. All plants have a pH range they need in order to absorb the soil's nutrients.

5. Make a list of the flowers, plants and trees you would like to grow. Using the soil test, soil feel test and measurements of your landscape, draw in the diagram where you would like to place your plants. Decide whether you want to use your home's architecture as an inspiration. For example, install a terra cotta container garden to complement a Mediterranean-style home. Or create a garden based on traditional landscaping designs such as an English garden.

Tips & Warnings

• Blend your landscape with the surrounding area by using native plants.

• Avoid planting tropical plants in an Oklahoma garden, because most will not be able to survive the winter conditions.

References

• Grow It: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map
• Oklahoma Native Plant Society
• Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Office
• Oklahoma Agriculture
• Oklahoma Conservation Commission: Port Silt Loam