Flower gardens make an exquisite addition to any yard. Perennials provide long-term beauty while annuals provide instantaneous color.
Start by inspecting the area you plan to plant in, noting how much sun the area receives on average throughout a day.
Amend the soil with compost and other organic matter to enhance it further.
Choose the Right Soil
Gardening with flowers can be an immensely satisfying way to adorn your landscape and welcome pollinators, but starting one from scratch can be daunting for novice gardeners. Soil preparation is paramount; not only does it ensure optimal conditions for plant growth, but it can help ensure that any flowers you select thrive as part of their blooming journey.
First, conduct an assessment of your yard to select an ideal location for your garden. Consider what amount of sunlight the area receives – flowering plants generally need at least six to eight hours of direct sun each day!
If your yard features any shaded areas, try planting shade-tolerant flowers such as heuchera and foxgloves to bring color into the garden. Or consider creating an environment of mixed sun/shade where blooms like heuchera, heucherella and hardy geranium thrive beautifully.
Pick the Right Plants
Next, choose flowers that work well in your soil and climate. Most varieties prefer sandy or loamy soil that’s easy to work and provides good drainage; however, specifics will depend on which variety is chosen. A soil test is an excellent way to pinpoint any amendments necessary in your garden.
If you want a garden that blooms throughout the year, try including perennial flowers such as petunias and geraniums as perennials will continue providing blooms year after year, given proper conditions.
Know Your USDA Growing Zone For more accurate selection, knowing your USDA growing zone and local first and last frost dates is also key when selecting flowers that will thrive in your climate. Group plants with similar watering and sunlight requirements together so as to simplify gardening chores and make care simpler.
Know the Right Time to Plant
Prior to planting any seeds or bulbs in your area, learn its last and first frost dates. Depending on the flowers that interest you, this information will determine when it’s safe for you to start gardening.
Perennial flowers like zinnias and marigolds provide reliable summer color. Growing them from seeds is easy, and as long as faded blooms are cut back they will return next season.
Annual flowers like peas and sweet peas provide a splash of color that easily pairs with perennials. Since annuals grow quickly, it is critical that proper care be taken regarding watering and weeding practices.
When selecting plants, keep their mature height in mind to ensure they will fit within your space. If space is limited, renowned garden designer Piet Oudolf suggests grouping similar shapes together for a vignette effect. Hardscape elements such as trellises and pergolas may add vertical interest while simultaneously serving as barriers against mower access to flowerbeds.
Plan Your Garden
Flower gardens add beauty and attract pollinators into your yard. From simple beds for curb appeal enhancement to full gardens, starting one is simple with the proper information and tools at your fingertips.
Start by clearly delineating the boundaries of your garden beds, using garden edging, stones or any other material available to create defined edges that keep grass and weeds at bay from invading your planting space. Group flowers that share similar sun/water needs together for easier care while adding shrubs such as hydrangeas, roses or hollyhocks for four-season interest.
Don’t forget to consider your USDA growing zone when planning when and how to plant. Knowing when the first and last frost dates occur can prevent attempting to cultivate plants that won’t flourish in your climate.