Whether you’re starting early on planning that spring planting, or you’re taking advantage of the sweeter temperament the weather’s been showing, designing the perfect flower bed is no easy matter. Once you decide on what style of garden you’re going for, though, designing a wow-worthy flower bed should be a breeze!
When you’re planning out a garden, it’s important to take into account your location. The sort of flower bed that would make a lasting impression in California is going to be vastly different from one that would go over well in New York, Arizona, or even Virgnia. Depending on what type of flower bed you’re going for, it might be a good idea to play to your location.
Find out local types of flora and incorporate them into your project. Xeriscaping has become increasingly popular, for its striking designs and its ability to reduce or eliminate watering requirements. Something like a cactus garden will stand out no matter what neighborhood you’re in, but it might not do so well the further north you go. Alternatively, if ferns do well around your area, a fern garden is a lovely idea that will make you stand out from the crowd. Once you know what types of plants you’re using, whether it’s ferns, cacti, or your more standard variety of flowers, then it’s time to start planning the layout.
Decide early on if you want to use contrast to draw in attention, or if you’d rather send a “message” by styling your flower bed into certain shapes. This is a popular brand-promoting tactic for a reason, and adding little hearts or polkadot pops of different colors to your garden will capture the attention of any passersby. Sketching out your plan ahead of time will make the planting process a little easier, and give you a chance to visualize what you want your bed to look like in the space you have available.
When designing your sketch, it’s a good idea to get accurate measurements of your garden area. This will help you to figure out what goes where, and how much of it you can have, as well as give you an idea for how many flowers you would need to buy, how much potting soil your bed will require, and what decorations you can fit in and where they would fit best. From there, you can plan your layout, and decide how you want to draw in attention.
If your focus is mainly on color, then it’s a good idea to invest in some vibrant flowers. Playing with color is an incredibly effective way to draw the eye, and if your flower beds are the most brilliant in the neighborhood, everyone is sure to know it. It can be fun to use several different types of plants, but if you’d like to maintain some level of order, try using a flower that has multiple varieties. If they come in different colors, using that type of flower will allow you to maintain order while maximizing color.
We previously mentioned using local plants and xeriscaping to add that extra “wow” factor to your flower bed. If that seems like a little too much effort for not enough of a reward, then there are other options for you! For instance, scale down a standard-size garden, such as a knot garden or parterre, until it fits your flower bed. Tea roses make a great substitute for the full-size variety, and you can use small shrubberies instead of hedges to make an attractive border.
Alternatively, you can take advantage of the growing trend of raised-bed gardening. If you decide to only raise small sections, and do so to different heights, you’ll change your simple flower bed into a three-dimensional focal point that people can’t help but notice. This can also make it easier for you to care for and maintain your garden on a daily basis.
As cliché as it might seem, garden decorations exist for a reason! Instead of adding them in wherever they fit, make plans to include them, and shape your flower beds around them. If you start out with particular pieces in mind, they can easily add more class to your plantings for only a fraction of the spatial cost.
As gardening evolves to fit the space available, more options become available as well. Different varieties of flowers, different colors, and even different methods of gardening can be put into practice to wow your fellow gardeners. Don’t be afraid to be selective! Pick and choose what’s right for you, and what’s right for your flower bed.