A landscaped garden edge backed by a stand of white-barked birch trees, with young shrubs planted in mulched soil and a birdhouse hanging in the upper right corner.

🌿 Wild About Flowers: Site Assessment Worksheet

Use this worksheet to evaluate your site before selecting native plants. Understanding your sunlight, soil, moisture, and exposure conditions will help you choose the right plants for long-term success with less maintenance.

📍 1. Location Info

  • Project Name or Area: ____________________________________________
  • Date: ____________________
  • Size of Planting Area (approx.): ____________________ sq. ft.

☀️ 2. Sunlight

How many hours of sunlight does this area receive daily?

  • [ ] Full Sun (6+ hours, mostly afternoon sun)
  • [ ] Part Shade (3–6 hours, morning or late sun)
  • [ ] Light Shade (dappled light, filtered sun)
  • [ ] Full Shade (less than 3 hours direct sun)

When is the sunlight strongest?

  • [ ] Morning Sun
  • [ ] Afternoon Sun
  • [ ] Late Day Sun

Notes:
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💨 3. Site Exposure

How sheltered is the site from wind and weather?

  • [ ] Fully Exposed (open prairie or field)
  • [ ] Partially Sheltered (some trees, shrubs, structures)
  • [ ] Fully Sheltered (near buildings, woodlots, or fences)

Is there evidence of Chinook damage or snow loss?
[ ] Yes  [ ] No  [ ] Not Sure

🌱 4. Soil Composition

Soil Type:

  • [ ] Sandy – gritty, loose, drains quickly
  • [ ] Loam – crumbly, balanced, holds moisture well
  • [ ] Clay – sticky, heavy, drains slowly

Texture Test:

  • [ ] Gritty (sand)
  • [ ] Silky (silt)
  • [ ] Smooth (clay)

Notes:
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💧 5. Soil Moisture

How does the soil handle water?

  • [ ] Dry – drains rapidly, never puddles
  • [ ] Well-Drained – puddles briefly, then dries
  • [ ] Moist – retains water, puddles in spring or after rain

Signs of poor drainage, moss, or erosion?
[ ] Yes  [ ] No  [ ] Not Sure

🌼 6. Design & Planting Goals

What are your goals for this space?

  • [ ] Reduce Maintenance
  • [ ] Support Pollinators
  • [ ] Add Color/Fragrance
  • [ ] Naturalize a Space
  • [ ] Create Wildlife Habitat
  • [ ] All of the Above

Preferred Style:

  • [ ] Natural / Meadow
  • [ ] Structured / Formal
  • [ ] A Mix of Both

📝 7. Additional Notes or Observations

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