There are many reasons to grow flowers in your garden, from the joy of watching them bloom, to their natural pollinator-attracting properties. But it takes some planning to get the most out of your flower gardens and ensure they grow well.
Start with Soil – The Foundation for Flower Gardens
Healthy soil is essential to your flower garden’s success, so start by making sure it’s ready to plant in. Adding organic matter will improve its structure and help to boost its nutrients, while a good layer of mulch will protect against erosion and reduce evaporation.
Select the Perfect Site – Before you can start your flower garden, you’ll need to find a spot where it will be easy to access and care for your plants. Make sure you have a clear path that will allow you to move through your garden easily, and consider how much sunlight the spot gets throughout the day.
Choose the Right Flowers – A good place to start is with the types of flowers that grow best in your climate. These include perennial flowers, which are replantable and require little to no maintenance; annuals, which produce flowers one year and then die; and shrubs, which provide year-round color and interest.
If your flower garden will be surrounded by trees, you should plant shrubs that can stand up to sun, wind and rain. For example, evergreens like junipers and conifers are hardy in most climates, while deciduous trees such as lilacs and maples thrive in shaded areas.
Once you’ve found the perfect location for your flower garden, it’s time to pick your plants. Use your notes on the micro climate to guide you in choosing plants that will thrive in your particular environment.
You’ll also want to think about whether or not you can see your new garden from inside the house. If so, you’ll want to plant a few flowers that are easily accessible and will look great from the windows or porch.
Before you buy your plants, be sure to ask them if they are drought-tolerant and if you can plant them where they will get at least six hours of sunlight each day. Then, be sure to follow the instructions on the plant tag.
Regardless of the type of flower you choose, it’s important to keep in mind that your flowers are vulnerable to pests and other hazards. Protect your blooms with netting and wire cages to deter insects and rodents from attacking them, and add organic solutions such as vinegar or tea to your water sources to repel harmful bacteria and fungi that could affect your blooms.
When it comes to flower gardening, the most successful gardeners make a plan ahead of time and stick to it. This helps them avoid surprises and delays, and ensures they are planting the right flowers and in the best location to bring their gardens to life.
Creating a beautiful flower garden is an experience! And while you may be tempted to rush through it, take your time and enjoy the process. You’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, fragrant garden that you will be proud of for years to come!
