To have a garden of incredible beauty, you have to start with a good design. The choice of plants, placement and care of them depends on how well the space is planned. Plant and design a flower garden that will deliver the results you’ve always dreamed of. It will be well worth the effort.
Start with the zone you live in and the light conditions of your yard. You can plant perennials that are not hardy to your zone, but you will need to treat them as annuals as they likely won’t survive the harsh season. Note where the full sun, partly sunny and shady areas are. If you already have a garden dug, make note of the light conditions in that specific area as well as other spots that might become extensions.
It’s best to start by knowing what you are looking for from your garden. Is there a reason for planting this space, such as a desire to watch the birds fly around the blossoms or to grow fresh herbs for your recipes? Do you feel most comfortable in the jumble of an English garden or the ordered appearance of a Japanese style flower bed? Do you need space between each flower to truly appreciate them or are you happiest when nature takes its course? Know ahead of time what you want out of the space to make sure you design it well.
Plant size makes a big difference when learning how to design a flower garden. When you’re starting a bed from scratch, you may be tempted to fill every spot in an effort to have maximum impact in the first season. This will backfire and cause you much more work in the end. Space out your perennials following the instructions on the plant tags and fill in the gaps with annuals. You’ll have color and beauty for the first year and leave your perennials plenty of room to grow into their spot next season.
Normally you plant taller types of flowers in the middle of floating beds and against the back of border gardens. Shorter, smaller species fill up the area to the edge of the beds. Why not shake that rule up a little as you open the season? Try planting spring bloomers like bulbs or violets near the middle or at the back. They will be beautiful as the other plants just wake up and then the dying foliage will be covered later on. Experiment and see what works for your space.
Most gardeners aim for a three season show, with something blooming from April to October and even into November if possible. Choose your plantings with bloom time in mind and group flowers that will follow each other together. Spring bulbs like tulips and daffodils are covered well by daisies, perennial geraniums and other summer bloomers. Then aim for those late fall bulbs or colder weather bloomers, such as the obedient plant or English asters.
Bring in the hummingbirds with trumpet shaped blooms like the annual petunia. Butterflies love flat, open faced blossoms such as Echinacea and daisies. Research which flowers grow well in your area and attract different wildlife, then enjoy the beautiful visitors when they fly in.
Incredible beauty and a peaceful setting will surround you with a well thought out flower bed. Design a flower garden that is perfect for you and your yard will truly become an oasis.
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