Once the planting is completed, check watering daily. It may not need it, but this can help you to recognize details that alert you to plant stresses. Correcting problems early on can help prevent damage to the plants.

It takes several weeks for the roots to extend beyond the root ball. During this time, it’s best to give optimal care to encourage strong root growth. The sooner the plants become established, the better they can tolerate adverse conditions.

The more you observe, the easier it will be to understand the plants’ needs.

Be on the look-out for any of the following and note where they are occurring on the plant:

• Wilting leaves or flowers
• Discoloured leaves, burnt edges
• Falling leaves
• Branches dying back

These can all be signs of water issues. Look first at your watering practices. It’s not easy to give someone exact instructions for watering, as there are so many variables to consider. Not all plants can be treated equally. Their needs can be varied. Don’t compare established plants against new plantings either, and water them the same. New plantings will require extra care until they, too, become established.

Plants are living things. They are not manufactured. Plants are affected by conditions of nature which are forever changing and we need to account for these situations and adjust our care. Plant varieties, soil types, seasons, weather conditions, light exposure, temperature, humidity, slopes, poor drainage – all of these can affect how a plant grows and develops over time.