Flowers aren’t just beautiful; they also help attract beneficial insects that attract pests, as well as improve soil health by preventing weeds and water runoff. Marigolds, zinnias and nasturtiums are especially good at doing this!
First and foremost when planning a flower garden is to identify its ideal location. Take note of where you plan on planting and whether it receives sunlight throughout the day.
Location
Flower gardens must blend into their overall landscape seamlessly; otherwise they risk appearing like an afterthought or worse, a distraction.
For flower gardens, sunlight should always be considered when selecting their location. An area receiving at least six hours of direct sun per day would be optimal; however filtered light also works effectively.
Color is another key factor when designing a flower garden design. To select pleasing combinations, consult a color wheel to identify complementary hues. Aim for an assortment of hues that offer visual interest even after blooms have faded and died away.
Consider planting native perennials to create a pollinator-friendly habitat. Bees and butterflies love them, plus their care needs are significantly lower than exotic hybrids. When designing your flower garden design, include hedges between sections to frame different sections while keeping weeds at bay; paths allow visitors to meander through your blooms easily; while adding some personality can easily be accomplished using simple gravel paths or similar features that don’t cost too much either.
Soil
No matter if it’s for a foundation garden to make an impressionful statement in your yard, lining a pathway with vibrant flowers or cultivating planters on a balcony; knowing their needs is paramount. Begin by knowing your USDA growing zone – which determines what plants thrive best in your climate and when and how best to plant them.
Once you know your environment, it’s important to select soil that will support your flower garden. Loam is ideal as it contains both sandy and clayish particles with organic matter like humus which provides necessary nourishment to plants.
Before planting, it’s also a good idea to add fertilizer. There are various choices available such as manure, kelp meal and alfalfa meal that are easily accessible, affordable options that can promote healthy plant growth and blooms.
Light
As the next step of flower garden planning, consider the lighting. Most blooms require full sun; some varieties can tolerate partial shade. To ensure your plants receive enough sunshine, place the garden bed where it receives direct sunlight for at least six hours every day and within easy access of a water source such as a faucet spigot; this way you’ll be able to easily water your plants during hot and dry spells.
Once your site and plant list have been refined, consider shape and color in creating the ideal composition for your flower garden. Aim for a mixture of perennials, annuals and bulbs with striking hues in various sizes as a good starting point for designing the space. Repeating shapes such as spires or umbels create dynamic focal points while world-renowned Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf suggests playing around with color a bit, just be mindful not to overdo it as that can create a chaotic look!
Water
Flowering plants require rich soil and plenty of water to flourish. Before digging begins, prepare the site by clearing away grass or weeds from your digging site and adding compost to improve soil texture and fertility.
Plants thrive best in beds that are within reach of a mower and easily accessible, such as beds not too big to trample with other vegetation. If you have a lot of ground to cover, break it up into smaller sections that can be planted individually or collectively; adding pathways between each flower garden may prevent its being overtaken by other forms of growth.
Avoid overwatering to reduce water-logging and support healthy roots. To minimize waste, invest in a moisture sensor or meter which will inform you exactly how much water your flower garden requires. Water deeply rather than frequently early morning to allow leaves to dry by evening to combat fungal disease; collect rainwater in barrels for reuse in irrigation.