Flower gardens add vibrant color and vibrancy to any landscape. Whether planting one bed or multiple, the options are virtually limitless. Start by clearing away grass and clearing away debris before covering the area with decomposing mulch that provides essential soil nutrients.
Select an area with plenty of sunlight, and plant flowers with similar upkeep needs in one grouping.
Location
Flower gardens add color, fragrance, and beauty to any home landscape. Not only can they increase curb appeal and be rewarding therapeutic experiences for homeowners but also first-timers seeking rewarding hobby gardening experiences can enjoy growing beautiful blooming gardens with just some preparation and dedication.
An essential step in cultivating a flower garden is selecting its ideal site. Aim for an area receiving full sunlight throughout the day. Some varieties require more sun than others; check the plant label to ascertain what levels of illumination it requires for maximum blooming success.
Before planting your flower garden, prepare the site by clearing away all grassy areas with a shovel and excavating to a depth of 8 inches, this will ensure that it sits atop rich soil rather than layers of weed-prone turfgrass.
Soil
Soil is one of the key components for creating a flower garden. Successful gardens thrive in well-draining sandy loam soil that is rich with nutrients. Organic material like compost, peat moss or bark mulch help improve drainage and aeration to promote healthier soil conditions that keep weeds at bay.
Do not plant flowers in areas with stagnant water or clay soil as this will invite fungi and diseases that inhibit flower growth. Furthermore, pH levels in soil should range between neutral to slightly acidic which are ideal conditions for many flowers.
Be sure to place your flower garden within easy access of a garden hose for easier watering, eliminating the need to carry heavy canisters of water around your yard. This will save time and reduce strain when watering.
Plants
Flowering plants require specific conditions for proper development. Waterlogged soil invites fungal infections and root disturbance, while clay soil tends to compact easily with roots having trouble penetrating it. If you’re unsure which kind of soil your yard has, taking a simple soil test can provide insight into its pH level and overall health.
Next step should be selecting flowers for planting. When making this selection, take into account bloom time, sunlight/water requirements and foliage color as criteria. Aim for season-long color by mixing perennials, bulbs and annuals into your garden design.
Consider planting native species for creating an inviting habitat for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. They have adapted to local weather conditions, making them hardier and less demanding than imported varieties. If you’re new to gardening, choose easy-to-grow flowers that self-seed or reseed themselves so your garden remains looking vibrant without constant maintenance – clovers, phacelia and nasturtium are excellent examples that also act as natural ground covers by aerating soil while deterring weeds!
Maintenance
Flower gardens require ongoing care and attention for optimal blooms throughout their season, from regular maintenance to removal of grass.
One key is keeping the plant bed within easy access of a garden hose for convenient watering, but also remembering to direct any excess moisture directly towards the soil rather than onto foliage which promotes fungal disease in plants. Drip systems may help conserve water by limiting how much moisture evaporates away during transpiration.
Mulching can help maintain healthy soil by controlling weed growth and keeping it cool, moist and undisturbed. Mulch can take the form of leaves, hay or straw or wood mulch – the latter of which has the added bonus of providing nutrients back into the soil over time as it decomposes. For plants such as flowers it may also require regular fertilization; choosing which fertilizer depends on what species are growing there.