Flower beds make an immediate impactful statement in any yard or driveway, adding beauty and color. From lining a driveway or pathway, to accentuating an architectural feature in your garden.
Beginning any garden is important – starting by determining what grows best under your conditions and then conducting a soil test is also useful.
Be sure to rake and loosen the soil prior to planting. Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure helps enriched the soil for new life and ensure success with new endeavors.
Soil
Most flowers require well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter for proper growth. Soil tests are an invaluable way to identify which pH and nutrients your flowers require for maximum bloom.
Before planting flowers in a flowerbed, remove all debris by raking and tilling the soil. Mix in organic material such as compost to improve its texture and retain more moisture in your soil.
Strive for a loose, loamy texture in your garden soil. All soil contains mineral particles broken down by natural processes as well as various amounts of air and water, the composition of which determines its texture – clay soils feel heavy while sandy ones tend to crumble easily while loam is an ideal balance of both.
To assess drainage, wet a small section of soil and observe how quickly it drains away; poor drainage occurs if water remains wet for 12-30 minutes or more after being added to it. You could also install a drip irrigation system for easier watering without disrupting flowerbeds as you do this test.
Temperature
Flower gardens add color and life to your landscape while attracting pollinators such as butterflies, bees and hummingbirds. When selecting plants suitable for your climate, soil type, amount of sun/shade exposure in an area and type (perennials vs annuals), it’s essential that consideration is given as to which ones come back year after year (perennials) or not (annuals need replanting every spring).
Start by testing your soil to make sure it can support flower growing, before designing your garden layout. From there, decide what look you prefer – whether formal and manicured or something more informal such as “nodegays” emerging from green lawns? Flowering shrubs, low maintenance trees and evergreens will add structure and four season interest.
Monitor the temperature of your planting bed throughout the summer to make sure that seeds and seedlings can flourish. Feel the surface with your hand or use a simple soil thermometer for this task.
Water
Creating the ideal flower garden begins with healthy soil. Conducting a soil test is the key to discovering what amendments and nutrients your flowers require to thrive; for instance rhododendrons thrive best in moist, well-drained acidic soil with pH levels below 7. It also tells you whether your soil is ready to receive new planting.
Planning a flower garden requires selecting an area with ample sun. Once there, select an array of annuals and perennials that bloom throughout the season, adding in shrubs such as easy-to-repeat roses with colorful bark or four-season interest for added structure and year-round interest in your garden.
Once your garden is planted, water it according to each individual plant’s requirements. Annuals, for instance, may need more frequent attention than perennials. Water the soil deeply but don’t overdo it or else roots will rot; remember also that clay-rich soil holds moisture and affects how often you need to water!
Sunlight
Sunlight is key for creating a successful flower garden, and requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day in order for plants to flourish and bloom properly. Without enough light, flowers become weak and leggy – not ideal conditions!
Consider the visual appeal when selecting a site for your flower garden. Whether you want to make an impressive entranceway statement, create pathways along your property lines or fill gaps around structures with an array of blooms, select spots that will be enjoyable for both yourself and visitors to enjoy viewing.
Once you have chosen your location, prepare the soil by digging and mixing in organic matter such as compost. Apply a layer of mulch to help deter weeds while decreasing moisture loss; adding color and texture while keeping moisture inside the garden. Include plants of various seasons – annuals, perennials and shrubs alike can all create four-season interest!