Flower gardens bring color and pollinators to any yard, drawing butterflies and bees alike. Pick perennials for three-season blooming gardens, then mix in vibrant annuals for instant impact.
Before digging, assess how much sun your chosen spot receives; adequate sun is key to growing flowers successfully.
Install paths between flower beds to protect them from being trampled upon by foot traffic or lawnmowers. This will also keep lawn mowers from accidentally trampling them over!
Design
Experienced flower garden designers recognize that color can be an eye-catcher, but texture, form, and height also play an essential part in creating a visually striking garden. By taking these factors into consideration you can craft an appealing flower garden which will catch everyone’s eye.
One of the primary factors to keep in mind when planting flowers is location – specifically sunlight. A sunny environment provides essential energy that most blooms need in order to flourish.
Another essential element is staggered bloom times. By including plants that bloom during various times of the year – spring, summer and fall – your garden can remain colorful throughout its entirety.
Consider how accessible the location of your flower garden will be before starting it. Be sure that you can easily walk through and trim, fertilize, and treat plants without accidentally treading on any blooms. A great solution would be installing rectangles of flagstone as garden paths around your bed for easy navigation around the garden while adding visual interest by creating informal pathways with curves for added dimension and interest.
Soil
Before digging, verify that the area you plan to plant your flowers gets enough direct sunlight for their needs. Many flower varieties require at least six hours of direct light per day for optimal bloom. Take note of how much sun the area receives daily over several days. If it remains shaded throughout the day, your selection of plants may be limited.
Flowering plants usually prefer well-draining soil. Avoid places where water collects after heavy rainstorms or during spring thaws. If your garden site contains heavy clay soil, amend it by amending with compost or other organic material to improve drainage and decrease soil compaction.
Plan the shape and size of your beds carefully. If the garden beds are within reach of lawn mower blades, add an edge to prevent grass from invading them. Also ensure paths between flower beds are wide enough so as to not compact soil further and inhibit root development.
Planting
Once you have determined a location and size for your flower garden, the next step should be planting. Before beginning planting, amend the soil as necessary by mixing in organic matter and nutrients to improve its structure and facilitate drainage.
Select plants that will thrive in your yard’s unique environmental conditions, particularly regarding sun or shade exposure. While some flowers require full sunlight exposure, others do well even in part-shade settings.
Use of the color wheel is an invaluable way to design an eye-catching garden, even when its flowers aren’t blooming at their fullest. Look at pairing complementary hues such as pink and yellow together or juxtaposing contrasting ones like purple and red for striking contrasts. Don’t forget ground covers and shrubs as texture and added color options in your plan!
Maintenance
Flower gardens add beauty and charm to your property, but require careful planning and routine upkeep for maximum impact. Use the following tips to build a breathtaking flower garden that will not only impress neighbors but might even spark conversations about “keeping up with the Joneses”.
Before planting anything in the ground, it’s essential to undertake extensive soil preparation. Begin by clearing away grass, weeds and any debris before digging in plenty of compost to improve soil quality and promote a healthy growing environment.
Once your flowers have been planted in the ground, be sure to water them at least one inch each week by applying directly to the soil rather than their foliage in order to prevent fungal disease outbreaks.
Before planting any plants in your garden, be sure to learn their blooming times. Staggering flowering times throughout will ensure you always have something in bloom while adding visual interest to the space.