71 Soil And Stone Tips
Flower Beds
Flower beds that are well prepared are not only attractive, but they also promote good drainage. The proper mixture of topsoil and compost will ensure that the weeding and watering is reduced considerably. This also provides the plants with the nutrients needed for full and colorful blossoms. The beauty of flowering plants gives every garden a touch of color and natural charm.
Flowers For Every Season
It's possible to have flowers in the garden throughout the whole length of growing season. Flower beds and borders are planted with perennials and flowering annuals that bloom at different times all through the year. By carefully choosing a variety of plants your flower bed can bloom from spring through the fall season.
Steps In Preparing And Designing A Flower Bed
There are several basic steps that you can follow in preparing and designing flower beds. They will help ensure that you create a flower bed that's effective, appropriate, beautiful and last the entire growing season.
Step 1
Pick a spot for your flower bed, try to visualize various plants of different sizes and shapes. Walk around the area, and consider the need for shade and sun when planting. Draw some rough sketches of how you will want the bed laid out.
Step 2
A sketch plan for the bed you want is extremely helpful when shopping for plants. Plants that are tall must go to the back of flower beds that are close to fences of walls; if the bed can be viewed at all sides, tall plants should be placed in the middle. Plants that frequently need attention like grooming, spraying, or pruning, must be placed where they are easily reached.
Step 3
After you have carefully sketched out the plan of your flower bed, sprinkle ordinary flour to trace the borders of the potential bed. If you're not satisfied with how it appears, then the flour can easily be brushed away and start again.
Step 4
Use a small shovel or trowel to cut along the "flour lines" made.
Step 5
To control serious weed problems, mow and spray the area with a "non selective herbicide". Follow the directions of the herbicide carefully, especially when it comes to how long you have to wait before planting anything on the bed.
You may also take the "non-chemical" alternative by mowing the area and tilling it or digging it up. Allow it to set for about two or three days, letting weed seeds to germinate. Finally hoe/till the area a second time.
Step 6
Spread three to four inches of "compost" or other soil amendment. Dig/till the soil to at least eight to ten inches deep.
Step 7
Remove all debris from flower bed, rake the surface smooth then it is ready for planting.
Step 8
You can also install edging. Edging is not a "must" with flower beds but it does help keep out weeds and grass, and
provides a clean look.
Helpful Tips
Mix it up! Flower beds can be in any shape and size. The more variety you have in your yard with sizes and colors the better! Green, blossoming shrubs and bushes can add dimension to any area. Leave room for plants and shrubs to grow, add "annuals" to fill bare spots. If you have poor, clay-laden or sandy soil, a raised flower bed may be your best choice.
Good arrangements of flower beds in the garden, besides attentive caring, can ensure that the garden blooms with pretty flowers every year.