A flower garden can be a lot of fun, especially if you have children. Kids just love seeing all the different colors and watching the butterflies and other insects that can be attracted to your garden.
The first step in setting up a flower garden is to decide where you want it to be located and how large you would like it to be. There are many flowers that will grow well in full sun or shade, but many of the most beautiful flowers, such as roses, require a lot of sun. If you care about the appearance of your garden and would like to cut the flowers to use in arrangements inside, you might want to put your flower garden somewhere that visitors don’t see.
Once you have picked a site and determined the amount of sunlight your plants will get there, you will need to do some research. Walk around your neighborhood and look at other flower gardens. What flowers seem to be doing well in those yards, and which ones don’t look so good? If you don’t know what some of the flowers are, strike up a conversation with your neighbor.
Another good way to find inspiration for your flower garden is to visit a local botanical garden or a city park. These beds will show you what grows well in your area and give you an idea of what you like. As you look at plants, ask yourself questions like the following: Do you prefer a formal English garden look or would you like a yard full of wildflowers? Are you a fan of pastels or do you want to see a riot of color when you step into your yard? Do you have a favorite flower or a favorite color you want to incorporate into your design?
You should also think about whether you want to plant all perennials, all annuals, or a mix. Perennials tend to be more expensive, but they live from year to year, so you don’t have to buy new plants each year as you do with annuals, which are inexpensive. A mix of both means you’ll have a little replanting to do each year, but you can replant easily by using the same holes each year.
Height is an important consideration when planning a flower garden. If your flower garden is a border that is meant to be viewed from one direction, you’ll want larger plants like sunflowers or even flowering shrubs in the background, with the flowers gradually getting smaller the closer they get to the front of the bed. That way you can see all the flowers at once.
If your flower garden is meant to be viewed from all directions, your larger focal plants might be placed in the center, with smaller plants radiating out. You can also just choose the flowers you would like to grow and plant them in a way that feels right to you. There is no wrong way to build a flower garden.
Before planting, you will need to clear the area of whatever is there. If the space has been a flower garden or bed in the past, that may mean getting rid of old mulch and weeds. If it’s part of your yard, you’ll need to get rid of the grass and as many roots as you can. This can be done with the help of a tiller or a hoe. If you can wait a season before planting, cover the area with a dark tarp and the grass and weeds will die.
Once the ground has been cleared, apply a fertilizer that is made for flowers. A slow release fertilizer will keep your plants happy all season long. Plant your plants according to the label directions, keep the area well-watered, and enjoy your flower garden.
