Flower gardens are an incredible way to add color and vibrance to both your home and yard. You have the choice between planting seeds from scratch or purchasing mature plants which have already established roots.
If you plan to grow from seeds, make sure your soil is prepared by clearing away any grassy layers using a shovel, adding compost and checking for signs of disease such as sticky or holey leaves. If buying existing plants instead, avoid those that show these traits when purchasing.
Choose the Right Plants
Before planting flowers in your flower garden, ensure you know exactly which types and how much space are necessary for them. Read plant tags carefully in order to understand what size they will reach at maturity – this can help ensure you do not purchase too many plants which could quickly overcrowd your space.
Consider factors like color, year-round interest, bloom time and texture when planning your flower garden. A well-balanced combination of hues is key whether you opt for monochromatic, complementary or contrasting schemes; also take into account shapes and textures such as long stems with solid or variegated leaves as you decide what plants to include in your selections.
Look for plants with long vase lives so you can enjoy bouquets. Additionally, be sure to select blooms appropriate to your USDA growing zone by visiting nearby natural areas and seeing which species thrive there.
Dig the Soil
No matter if it’s new or revamping an existing garden bed, soil preparation is always required prior to planting flowers or shrubs. Most varieties prefer loamy, well-draining conditions if conditions are subpar; otherwise they’ll struggle. A soil test will help determine what types of amendments might be necessary for optimal performance.
Clear the area for your flower garden by clearing away grass and weeds. A shovel or spade equipped with a sharp blade will do nicely; alternatively a garden fork and long-handled stirrup hoe are excellent digging tools that double up as weeders.
Consider using native perennials when creating an environment suitable for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. They are more likely to thrive than exotic varieties and provide pollen and nectar locally – as well as being better for the environment! Choose plants for your climate zone by checking frost hardiness; experienced garden designers include plants that bloom throughout the year while stagger their growth times for maximum impact.
Plant the Flowers
Once you’ve determined the location and size of your flower garden, clear away all weeds before digging holes at recommended depth for your plants.
Before planting, check the height and spacing requirements on the plant label to make sure it will thrive in your conditions. You can also search your growing zone online to identify which climate best supports the flowers you’re considering planting.
If you’re planting perennials or annuals that will return each year, choose varieties with extended blooming times like zinnias, pansies and geraniums to add seasonal color throughout your landscape throughout the summer – as long as their faded blossoms are trimmed back regularly and the faded ones removed – and that are repeated regularly within your flower garden design to create order and harmony. A well-planned garden should look full and lush without becoming overcrowded; use repetition in this regard by positioning taller flowers at the back and shorter flowers at the front when planning out your flower garden design plan.
Water the Flowers
Flower gardens provide an oasis of serenity, with vibrant blooms providing an intoxicating sense of energy and calm to any space they grace. Some flowers serve as spectacular focal points while others contribute pops of color and texture throughout your yard’s strolls. Staggered bloom times ensure your garden always contains gorgeous blossoms.
Watering flowers properly is key to their health and beauty. Overwatering can cause root rot and fungal diseases, while under-watering leaves plants wilted and stressed.
To reduce water usage and save on cost, try installing a moisture sensor or meter that informs your watering schedule and limits wastage (via The Good Earth Garden). Furthermore, work the soil less when it’s overly wet – doing so may damage its structure as well as promote fungal diseases that could spread throughout your garden.