Starting a flower garden from scratch is an exciting undertaking and can be made simpler if you do your research beforehand and understand the requirements of each species of plant before planting them.
First and foremost is location; choose an area that receives plenty of sun throughout the day and where loamy, well-draining soil exists as most flowers prefer this environment.
Location
The ideal location for your flower garden depends on its ideal light and soil conditions for growing the plants you intend to cultivate. Carefully research each species in terms of sun or shade preference and watering needs before selecting which varieties best suit your climate zone (USDA Growing Zone). Furthermore, knowing your USDA growing zone helps avoid selecting species which don’t thrive well within its climate zone.
Once you’ve chosen the site for your flower garden, prepare it by clearing away grass and weeds with a shovel or garden hose. Consider creating a path through which visitors may walk to protect the blooms from being trodden on by lawnmowers or other foot traffic.
Flower beds come in all forms, from formal rectangles around homes to meandering gardens with flowing paths. A garden hose or rope can help define its boundaries before digging begins, and walking around from different perspectives will give an overview of its design and potential.
Soil
Good soil provides flowers with all of the vital nutrients, water, and air they require for healthy blooms. Different varieties of flowering plants require different combinations of minerals; therefore the type of soil you choose can impact how they develop. Most flowers prefer loamy soil that drains well; adding organic material such as well-rotted manure or compost before planting can further enhance it.
Keep a few tools nearby, such as a shovel and dirt rake, to loosen and prepare the soil before planting. A layer of mulch may help ease watering while also preventing weeds from invading your beds.
Create your flower garden using annuals and perennials to keep its vibrant colors blooming throughout the season. Incorporating tall plants will help balance out shorter ones; keep in mind that certain perennials (peonies) bloom only temporarily while others (dahlias, cleome) have extended blooming periods (such as Dahlias or Clemme).
Sunlight
Flowers thrive when exposed to plenty of sun, so an ideal location for your flower garden would be one that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight per day and is easily accessible for regular watering needs.
Perennials bloom on their own schedules while annuals such as zinnias, portulaca, impatiens and cleome provide colorful displays throughout the growing season. Bulbs also extend your blooming period.
As you consider how to plant your flower garden, keep in mind the colors, heights and textures of each plant as well as how they complement one another. World-renowned garden designer Piet Oudolf suggests arranging perennials by shape: “Spires, plumes, buttons, daisies and umbels form the basic elements of any planting which can be combined to form an exciting array of textures and forms”. This allows for an easier yet meadow-like arrangement in your flowerbed – similar strategies apply when container gardening!
Water
Flowering plants require soil that drains well, so add organic matter such as leaves or compost to the top six to eight inches before planting your flowers. Integrate it into the soil without overwatering – otherwise you risk becoming so saturated that its nutrients won’t make their way through properly.
Search for an area that receives six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily when planting a cutting garden. Flowers such as hydrangeas and dahlias have deep root systems and may be more drought-tolerant than others.
Examine your flower seed packet or plant tag to learn what conditions, sunlight and temperatures it requires for its best growth. Research your zone and seek help from local nurseries if necessary; some plants such as azaleas, camellias and orchids require particular conditions like slightly acidic or neutral soil pH levels and warm-cool temperatures for optimum development.