Gardening App: Foolproof Plants for Small Gardens

 

I’m thrilled to announce the publication of my new gardening app, Foolproof Plants for Small Gardens. Published by Sutro Media and available for $2.99 from both iTunes and Google Play (where it is titled Plant Picks for Small Gardens), this app is yet another manifestation of my ongoing obsession with small space design.

With almost 100 plants and 450 photos, Foolproof Plants highlights some of the best options for ornamental plants that stay a manageable size, from trees that grow less than 25’ to shrubs smaller than 5’—not to mention well-behaved vines that won’t eat your house. It’s all organized in a highly searchable database that allows you to search by plant category, USDA zone, or desirable characteristics like flower color or drought tolerance. 

 

 

Here’s a breakdown on what’s included:

•  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.

 

 

Because this app is intended as a resource for small-space gardeners all over the country, I enlisted the help of a talented group of horticulturists and landscape designers from other USDA zones to contribute plant choices that represent some of the best small-space plants from their regions. Click on the Contributors section in the app, and you’ll be impressed by the credentials of co-authors Katie Elzer-Peters (zone 7), Jenny Peterson (zone 8), Maria Zampini (zones 5 and 6) and Genevieve Schmidt (Zone 9 and my go-to source for the best maintenance advice).

 

To celebrate, I’m giving the iTunes version of Foolproof Plants away to three readers! To win, leave a comment by next Monday at midnight. Winners will be chosen randomly. Unfortunately, I only have promotional codes for the iTunes version, so this giveaway will run on iPhone or iPad, but not on other smart phones or on your computer. But don’t worry if you're not a fan of technology that begins with i; an eBook version is in the works, so stay tuned for another announcement in the near future…

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Update!  The three lucky winners are Leslie Peluso, Valerie Robertson and Pam Kirsting!

Comments

[Robin]

I'd love to take a look at your new app. I'm always on the lookout for good ones to review for my blog readers. Kudos on tackling this project. You're ahead of the curve again!

[Jeannie (Geno's Garden) Hanson]

congratulations on your latest create. love getting garden advice from people who know!

[Merrilee 'Annie' Morgan]

Love the idea of an app like this! I killed my large lawn and have divided my yard into small planting sections with a flagstone and dymondia walkway path. I'm working on planting sections into little vignettes. That means smaller plants so this sounds perfect.

[Modern Mia Gardening]

What a great looking app! I need help with my small areas since I now find myself gardening in a full acre instead of my former postage stamp.

[Naomi]

Sounds like a great app! Would be great for small Seattle gardens. Pick me!!

[Amy Beam]

I'd love the app. We are just about to redo our front yard.

[Derek Haynes]

I too would love the app!

[Derek Haynes]

I too would love the app!

[Karen]

oh, this sounds awesome! I am not skilled at choosing the right plants for my garden. I would love this!

[Martha Johnson]

I am a new gardener in ZOne 8 and always looking for resources. Here is one that I can have with me in the store or greenhouse to be sure I get one that will actually grow in my backyard.

[carla debauche]

the right plant the right spot. I am sure this app is all it is suppose to be and more to a gardener. I would love to try this app.

[Susy]

This app looks wonderful, I could so use it!

[Shirley Bovshow]

Just shared your post on my social networks! Great work.
Shirley

[Scott Hokunson]

Congratulations Susan, This is a great idea! Going to share it with my circles and followers.

[Leslie Peluso]

Would LOVE to try this. :)

[Faith A. Meakin]

I have a "terrace" basically a cement walkway on two sides of a condo. A Homeowners association rule about obstructing the view of our neighbors and other considerations have kept me from doing anything except lining up pots. This will be perfect for planning my outdoor room.

[Debby West]

I have Dr.Dirr's app on tree's, shrubs& vines & use it all of the time. I would love to have your app as well to use as reference & help answer garden questions. Looking forward to sharing your app information with other Master Gardener's.

[Diane]

I'll have to add this app. Finding the right plants for small gardens is always a challenge. The photos look spectacular. Congratulations on a great idea.

[Sharon Petersen]

Love that you've created this, Susan and can't wait to spread the word about it! Let this be my lucky day!

[Valerie Robertson]

Congratulations on your new gardening app! We at "Cape Fear's Going Green" look forward to seeing all it has to offer.

[Pam Kersting]

Congratulations Susan! I would love to get into App development myself.

[Bobbie]

Fantastic and congratulations, Susan. This will absolutely add to our gardening arsenal. Can't wait for the computer version.

[Jude Parkinson-Morgan]

What a wonderful idea! I love the versatility of this app and great idea to add tips on sustainability.

[Decking Hornchurch]

Whatever your personal preference is, make it special by creating it with your signature style. Part of the fun is that you get to be the artist. Your secret garden style will make a unique statement because it will reflect your own personality.

[plant nurseries]

This gardening app seems fantastic With so many plants and photos. Quite interesting!! This app can be very much helpful and a good guide. Glad!!