Flower gardens make an elegant addition to any yard. Begin by selecting an area in which to grow it.
Clear out the area using a shovel to dig out grass and roots from underneath it.
Consider the shape of the bed when placing tall plants – they should ideally go at the back so as to avoid blocking windows or doors.
Location
Flower gardens should ideally be situated in areas receiving ample sunlight. Not only is sunlight essential to photosynthesis, but it can also help keep weeds at bay by creating dense plant coverage of soil surfaces that block out any possibility of them growing in.
If you are starting a garden bed in an area covered with grass, first remove all the sod using a shovel and dispose of it before selecting an area where 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day will shine onto it.
If your goal is to cultivate flowers for cutting, find a site in full sunlight where pollinators will congregate. To create a perennial garden that will last all year long, plant evergreen shrubs like nandina, ligustrum and distylium – add pergolas or arbors for an elegant focal point and to mark transitions from public to private spaces in your yard.
Soil
Flower gardens need plenty of sunlight, but to reach their full potential they also require the appropriate soil. Ideal conditions for flower beds are those which combine organic matter with loose, rich soil. Loose soil enables plant roots to access nutrients quickly; for those whose soil lacks these essential elements, adding compost rich with essential micro-nutrients prior to planting could help.
Add flowers with staggered bloom times into your flower garden for year-round color and interest, whether that means mixing annuals, perennials and shrubs or adding flowering trees like dogwoods into the mix.
Choose colors close together on the color wheel, such as yellow and purple, along with plants with contrasting foliage textures for optimal garden design. Foliage provides structural color and texture after flowering has subsided while helping make flowers pop out in your garden design. Consider including fragrant blooms that move when designing your landscape – these elements often go overlooked when planning out landscape plans!
Water
Gardening with containers or window boxes may seem easy enough, but for success to occur you must first understand your local climate and frost dates so as to plan your planting schedule accordingly.
Start by clearing away grass and weeds where you want your garden to go, before amending the soil with organic matter like compost, shredded leaves, coconut coir or well-rotted manure. Work this material into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil where most flowers and shrubs thrive.
If you’re starting from scratch with your flower garden, ensure it gets full sunlight. If not, choose shade-loving perennials and annuals suitable to those conditions instead. Match plants with similar maintenance needs – drought tolerant species work well alongside moisture lovers; adding visually interesting designs by mixing in various flower shapes is one tip from world-renowned Dutch designer Piet Oudolf.
Plants
Flowers add color and can help attract beneficial insects that help control garden pests. Furthermore, flowers improve the appearance of soil by adding nitrogen, helping preserve its quality.
Plant selection should take into account soil, sun and water requirements of their location. A savvy gardener recognizes that choosing shrubs, perennials and annuals with staggered bloom times provides four-season interest.
When planting, keep in mind the height and width of each plant when mature; creeping phlox forms an evergreen mat that covers the ground to reduce weeds. Furthermore, plant flower beds within reach of your garden hose so watering becomes simpler; give special consideration to foliage colors and textures; they will add visual interest even once flowers have died out.