Flower gardens can bring joy from early spring until the first frost of autumn, especially when native species are used to create pollinator habitat.
As a beginner, when planning a flower garden there are numerous factors to take into account when setting it up – starting off right will set you up for success.
Location
Location is of utmost importance when it comes to creating an enjoyable flower garden, even the highest-grade blooms may not bloom as fully without the adequate sun exposure they need for optimal development.
Look for a spot with full sun exposure – which typically means six hours or more each day – although partial shade will work just as well; many perennial and annual flowers prefer partial shading conditions.
Ascertain your space available for gardening, and draw a diagram showing where flowers should go. Be mindful of any existing trees or shrubs as these may compete for water and nutrients with blooming flowers.
Experienced flower garden designers typically include plants with year-round interest and staggered bloom times in their designs, so your garden always features show-stopping focal points while there are enough blooming flowers to attract butterflies and hummingbirds. To add even more beauty, consider installing a pergola with climbing plants growing along its perimeter.
Soil
Flower gardens add vibrancy to any home, whether they’re created from seeds or perennials and annuals. Understanding their basic care requirements is crucial in order to select suitable plants that thrive under your care.
Soil quality is vitally important to the wellbeing of any garden, with different types of soil providing different levels of water, sunlight and nutrients to your plants. For maximum success in terms of growth potential, sandy loam soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0 offers ideal conditions.
Once you’ve chosen the site for your flower garden, ensure that it gets enough sun for the types of flowers that you plan to plant. Full-sun blooms require six or more hours of direct sunlight each day while shade-loving varieties need between 3 – 6 hours per day. Also take note of any frost hardiness requirements for frost hardiness as these can vary by region.
Sunlight
Plant flowers where they will receive the right kind of light for their needs. This could involve placing those that prefer full sun into full-sun areas while those preferring shade could benefit from early morning sun followed by shade in the afternoon sun.
At all times of day, it’s essential to observe your yard to identify which areas receive full sun or shade and the amount of daylight each receives. Flowering plants such as Astilbe and Bee Balm (AKA Monarda) have long been recognized for adapting well to various sunlight conditions – bee balm can even tolerate partial shade conditions as well as full sunlight exposure!
Before planting, prepare the soil by mixing in some bokashi compost or organic matter that provides vital nutrients to the area. Thoroughly water the area and gently compress dirt around seedlings or transplants so they’re neither too loose nor too tight. Watch out for frost as well; cover any vulnerable spots if necessary and water regularly as necessary to maintain an even 1-inch layer of moisture over its roots.
Water
Flower gardens require ample amounts of clean, distilled or filtered water in order to thrive, though plant food solutions may also help your flowers.
Set up a drip irrigation system or soaker hoses in your flower beds if possible to deliver water directly to the roots, decreasing chances of foliage diseases while slowly percolating into the soil. Monitor water levels daily and adjust your schedule based on weather conditions and specific flower requirements.
Before starting to dig holes for your flower garden, add compost or another organic material like mulch to enhance its quality and increase moisture retention and temperature regulation. Clear away all grass and weeds to get ready for planting, followed by layer of mulch that provides moisture retention while also improving soil structure.