Layout decisions regarding flower gardens are ultimately personal; however, there are certain general guidelines that should be observed to guarantee success.
Begin by identifying your USDA growing zone and choosing plants suitable to thrive in that location, paying particular attention to when frost may first or last occur when selecting perennials and annuals.
Location
Location plays an essential part in how your flower garden appears. From making an impressionful statement at the front door or adding vibrant blooms along a walkway, finding the right spot is essential for creating the garden of your dreams. Once that step has been accomplished, the next consideration should be what style of garden you wish to design.
Wiley states that experienced flower garden designers utilize repetition to achieve visual unity and balance, suggesting starting with a core group of plants before selecting those with similar shapes or colors to add harmony and balance to the design. Furthermore, mature size and bloom time should also be taken into consideration as these factors will ultimately determine a plant’s compatibility within your space. A mix of shrubs for winter structure, perennials for summer bloom and annuals blooming all year will ensure your garden looks its best year round.
Soil
While a flower garden is undoubtedly unique, there are a few basic design principles you should abide by to ensure its success. First off is location; most flowers require full sun in order to reach their potential but some varieties can grow under partial shade conditions as well.
Next comes soil type. Most flowers grow best in loamy, well-draining soil; however, other conditions may also work for flower cultivation. Conduct a comprehensive soil test in your site’s environs in order to accurately evaluate it and make any necessary amendments or amendments.
Garden edging helps define the boundaries of a planting area and prevent grass or other weeds from invading flower beds, while at the same time allowing you to walk through them without compacting soil and inhibiting root development. Garden paths also make accessing your plants much simpler for maintenance tasks or harvesting flowers easier – try mixing fine-leafed marigolds with coarse foliage plants like canna lilies for visual interest!
Light
Lighting is essential when planning a flower garden design. Choose a place in your yard where direct sunlight hits all day long – at least six to eight hours should suffice if creating a cutting garden.
If you’re starting from scratch with your garden bed, prepare the soil by mixing in compost and loosening. Sketch out your flower garden layout on paper prior to beginning planting; remembering to account for walkways or any other elements you wish to include.
Cowan emphasizes the importance of understanding your goals for your garden before selecting plants and choosing your layout. Knowing your goal helps select suitable plants for your space; additionally, this knowledge determines your flower background — be it shrubbery or garden art pieces like pieces from Artfully Gardens – while repetition plays an integral part in providing visual cohesion according to Wiley.
Water
No matter if it’s cuttings, display garden or just plain beauty you seek, select an area which receives six hours of direct sunlight daily if possible. Most flowers need plenty of direct light in order to thrive.
Be mindful that most flowering plants will look sparse upon first planting and require some form of maintenance or pruning to avoid overcrowding. Following the recommended spacing listed on their labels is key for creating an appealing and attractive design.
Utilize flowers’ diverse visual textures to your advantage by grouping various forms closely together. Spirals and daisies, buttons and umbels, globes and screens all possess distinctive forms that complement one another when combined close together – famous Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf often used different shapes when designing his gardens, which created movement and energy within his landscape. You could add interest by including ornamental grasses, trellises or benches into the design as well.