If you’re new to flower gardening, there are a few basic principles you should learn first. Start by choosing an area for your garden that receives enough light throughout the day – simply observe how the sun moves throughout its course to determine this factor.
Evaluate the soil conditions, including pH level and nutrient content. Choose plants for your flower garden that thrive under such circumstances.
Location
Locating your flower garden is one of the most crucial decisions you’ll have to make, as its presence will have an effect on everything from soil preparation and plant selection.
An ideal spot for a flower garden should receive at least six hours of sun each day, watching as the sunlight comes and goes throughout the day, noting which areas of sunlight are blocked by trees, houses or fences.
Consider also the height of your plants when selecting their location. Most flowers will contain an indication of recommended height on their labels; generally speaking, you should plant taller blooms toward the back while shorter varieties in front for a fuller garden with various textures and hues.
Soil
Successful flower gardens begin with quality soil. Flowering plants require loose, well-draining soil that’s full of essential nutrients and organic matter for proper care and development. Sandy loam is the optimal choice, offering the optimal balance of water retention and oxygen supply to their roots.
Before planting flowers in your flower garden area, remove existing weeds and grass to reduce competition for space and nutrients. Add organic material such as compost to improve drainage capabilities of the soil in your bed.
Group flowers that require similar sunlight and water requirements together. This ensures they receive equal care, preventing over- or underwatering and shading issues. Add plants with varied color, size, texture and fragrance for a well-rounded bouquet of blooms; consider perennials, bulbs and annuals as four-season interest. Don’t forget the foliage which continues blooming after flowers have faded – most bloom at different times!
Water
Flower gardens are integral parts of the landscape and should seamlessly fit in with its surrounding plants. To make sure this happens, define its borders using garden edging or stones so grass and weeds do not invade it.
Group flowers that require similar amounts of water and sunlight together for easier care, while simultaneously planning your garden to maximize impact and visual interest. For instance, use this approach when planting annuals such as zinnias and sunflowers that require little care like blocks or rows rather than scattering them around for an untidy appearance.
Acquaint yourself with your USDA growing zone to determine which flowers can survive and thrive in your region. Furthermore, color, texture, and shape should also be taken into consideration; such as small and large flowers with solid and variegated foliage on short stems that create visual interest as well as round and spear-shaped blooms that draw pollinators attention. Incorporating scent-laden plants can further draw in pollinators species.
Light
Location is of vital importance in creating an enjoyable flower garden experience, whether that means situating it beneath an umbrella tree or in full sun. Accurate measurements and meticulous planning are key elements in crafting an aesthetic landscape design.
Take some time to observe the lighting in the area where you plan to grow plants, paying particular attention to how much direct sun or shade it receives throughout the day. Full-sun locations are best for drought-tolerant perennials such as yellow alyssum; dappled shade or partial shade provides ideal growing conditions for shade-loving heuchera and corymbe.
For maximum impact in your garden, select flowers with differing bloom times to create an eye-catching display that offers year-round appeal. Incorporate shrubs like Heuchera and Ivy with colorful bark or twisty forms into the mix for added structure and visual interest; repeating plant shapes or colors provides continuity and visual unity, according to Wiley.