We all appreciate the beauty of a beautiful flower garden. To get you started with flower bed design, our friends at the National Association of Landscape Professionals have some advice for you.
CHOOSE A SUNNY AND EASY TO WATER LOCATION
Clean the flower bed by turning the soil and removing as much grass and weeds as possible. Applying herbicide a few days before can help. The flower bed will need to be watered regularly, so it's best to have a garden hose or water source nearby.
MAINTAIN THE SOIL
Aerated soil retains moisture better and drains more easily, which is why it should be enriched with organic matter. A large bag of potting soil will be perfect for a flower bed. It takes about 3 in. (depth) of enriched soil.
FEATURED FLOWERS
The flower bed should be tilted towards the viewing angle so that each flower is visible. If the flower bed is flat or sloped on the opposite side of the loops, only the first row of flowers will be highlighted.
MAXIMIZE THE IMPACT OF FLOWERS
- Plant the flowers in masses. Not just one here and there.
- Bright colors stand out best, but avoid mixing too many different colors. Choose flowers whose tones work well together.
- Light colors make flower beds appear larger and dark colors make them appear smaller.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SOURCE
- Buy flowers from a place that sells a lot of them to guarantee their freshness.
- Ask for advice on the best choices for your location and time of year.
- The size of the pots is up to you. Boxes are more economical, but 4-6" pots mature flowers faster.
- Take the plants out of the pots or boxes to check that their roots are well developed.
- If possible, plant the flowers the same day you purchase.
PLANTING IS SIMPLE, BUT THERE ARE SOME IMPORTANT BASICS TO REMEMBER
- Leave 8-10" between plants in pots and 12-18" between plants in 4-6" pots.
- Form a triangle from the front of the border to the bottom. If shot correctly, the rows will not be visible from the primary viewing angle.
- Gently spread the roots of each plant before putting them in the ground and raise the ground, leaving the tops of the roots slightly protruding from the surface of the soil.
- Leave a border around the flower bed so that the flowers do not protrude onto the sidewalk or lawn when mature.
- Fertilize liberally with a slow-release fertilizer and leave it on the surface of the soil.
WATER AND ENJOY
Keep the soil moist, without flooding, watering often until the plants are well rooted. If you lose plants in the front, you can always replace them with some from the back row.
Remember that landscaping professionals are a valuable resource to help you with species selection and maintenance. Find a professional in your area for advice and help.