Design Ideas for Flower Beds
The hardest part of gardening is often just getting started. You need to consider the type of flowers you’ll be planting, how to arrange them, and when and where to plant them. Get design ideas for flower beds in this video by The Home Depot:
Arranging Your Garden
Balance the flower beds so that they connect your landscape with your home. You want to fill in the framework of your yard and place the beds in easily viewable areas. Be aware that horizontal, vertical, curved or straight lines will create a different impression in your flower bed and garden.
Choosing Flowers
Keep your color scheme simple with complimentary hues. Be aware of the growing conditions and sun exposure in the areas where you want to plant. Plant tags will tell you how much sunshine a day the type of flower requires:
- Full Sun: 6 or more hours of direct sunshine a day
- Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of daily sunshine a day
- Shade: Less than 3 hours of sun per day
Perennials bloom every year and typically cost more. Consider coneflowers, black-eyed Susans and daylilies. Perennial herbs, ornamental grasses and flowering shrubs add height and texture.
Native plants are low maintenance and provide a vital habitat for local birds and many other species of wildlife.
Size
To prevent overcrowding, know what the size of the plants will be (diameter and height) when fully mature. Follow planting guidelines for spacing. Plant taller flowers towards the back of the bed and support with stakes.
When to Plant
Plant after the last frost date for your area. for early color, select spring flowers such as pansies and primrose. Plant spring blooming bulbs in the fall, and plant already blooming bulbs in the spring for instant color.
Locations
- Walkway: Plant on either side of your front walkway to welcome guests.
- Slope: A retaining wall can be used for hillside flower beds. For a romantic touch, use spiller plants such as creeping thyme, creeping phlox and nasturtium on the edges of the retaining wall.
- Under Trees: Plant around a tree in either a circular or oval pattern. Add life to an old tree stump by hollowing out the middle and planting annuals.
- Side of House: This space is often overlooked. For shady spots, plant hostas, azalea, hydrangeas, begonias and snapdragons.
- Containers: Pots and planters are mobile and customizable. For small porches and patios, plant in groups of containers for a garden bed feel.
