Learn how to make a flower bed that will add beautiful color and texture to your landscaping.
Kindra Clineff
1.
Choose a spot in your yard that hasgood drainage.
Credit:Kindra Clineff
A Soggy conditions will dramatically limit your choices of flowering plants.
If you have underground irrigation, check on those lines too.
Will you include a focal point such as a birdbath or some whimsical garden art?
Credit:William N. Hopkins
Then consider size and shape.
Heres where a garden hose comes in handy; use it tocreate the outline of your bed.
Play with the outline until you are pleased with the shape and size.
Credit: Brie Passano
William N. Hopkins
3.
Digging up sod is hard work.
As soon as the grass is gone from your bed, you canadd amendments to the soilsuch as compost.
Theres no waiting period.
Though it takes longer, this method is less physically taxing than digging sod.
Similarly, you’re free to kill the vegetation through a process called solarization.
Sunlight warms the soil to temperatures that will kill the grass beneath it.
Depending on the time of year, this usually takes 4 to 8 weeks.
A final approach is to use an herbicide to kill the existing vegetation.
Be sure to follow label directions on yourweed killer of choice.
Testing can be done through your local Cooperative Extension Service or a private soil testing lab.
If your soil is a heavy clay, the compost will loosen it and improve drainage.
Decide if you want to plantannuals, perennials, or a combination.
Annual flowers are usually less expensive than perennials, but they do need to be replanted every year.
And you will need to allow for their spread.
When choosing perennials, check that they’rehardy in your regionand consider their season of bloom.
Planting Your Flowers
Arrange the plants you purchased in your bed according to your plan.
Dig holes the same depth as the root ball and about twice as wide.
Place each plant in its hole, tamp the soil around it firmly, and water well.
Then turn it upside down and slide the plant out into your hand.
To help retain water and inhibit weeds, apply a layer or organic mulch around the plants.
Wood chips, pine needles, compost, and shredded leaves are all good options.
Alayer of mulchalso helps the plants stand out and gives the bed a tidy, finished look.
Now step back and enjoy your new flower bed.
With any luck, it will provide you with cheerful season-long color, texture, and maybe even fragrance.
