Is there a spot in your yard that you often walk by and think “this spot is pretty boring” or “it would be nice to add a little something here”? Well, that happened to me recently and I am loving the small flowerbed that I designed and have now planted flowers in. There are so many outside plants and flowers to choose from- something for everyone. If the word “gardening” makes you want to run, hold tight! I have some easy flower bed how to tips on choosing a great spot for some flowers and a few suggestions on really low maintenance plants! So grab your gardening supplies and get ready for these flower gardening tips that keep how to make a new flower bed simple and easy.
How To Create A Flower Bed
Flower Bed Design Ideas
You first need to decide where that spot is that you’d like to add a few flowers or plants to. For me, we have a sidewalk that runs down the side of our house (from the front yard to the backyard) and the front corner was a perfect spot to “fancy up” a bit! It was just a grassy spot. It looked kind of plain and a little messy so I dug out a backwards “L” along the sidewalk. Flower beds can come in all shapes and sizes but it is best to decide what works for your particular space. Start small and you can always grow and expand it as you reap the benefits of planting flowers.
Here are some creative flower bed design ideas to inspire your garden:
1. Raised Flower Bed
- Description: Build a raised bed using materials like wood, stone, or metal to create defined borders. This design is excellent for showcasing flowers at varying heights and improving soil drainage.
- Tip: Use tiered levels to add depth and visual interest.
2. Rock Garden Flower Bed (my choice)
- Description: Combine drought-resistant flowers like sedum, yarrow, and succulents with rocks for a low-maintenance, natural look.
- Tip: Use decorative pebbles or mulch to fill gaps and keep the bed tidy.
3. Vertical Flower Bed
- Description: Add height with climbing plants like clematis or morning glory on trellises, or use wall-mounted planters for a space-saving design.
- Tip: Place trailing plants like ivy or wave petunias in hanging baskets.
How To Edge A Flower Bed
Edging a flower bed is an excellent way to define its boundaries, enhance its appearance, and make new bed maintenance easier.
1. Plan the Edge. Use a garden hose or marking paint to outline the desired shape of your flower bed. Curved edges create a natural look, while straight lines provide a formal appearance.
2. Cut the Edge. Use a garden spade or half-moon edger to cut along the marked line. Push the tool into the ground about 4–6 inches deep to create a clean, sharp edge. Work in small sections to maintain control.
3. Remove Excess Sod. Pry out the grass or weeds from the area inside the edge. Use the spade to lift and discard the sod, leaving a defined trench.
4. Refine the Edge. Smooth out the edges by running the spade or edger along the cut line. Ensure the trench is uniform in width and depth.
5. Install Edging Material. Install edging materials such as bricks, stones, or plastic to create a more permanent boundary.
We had extra pavers that I lined the flowerbed with. If you have some sort of rock or bricks laying around, those will work great for creating a border around your flowerbed. Logs can make be a nice way to edge a flower bed too- honestly there are so many ways to edge a flower bed. I think a little border makes it look tidy but you don’t have to add a border if you’d prefer not to. So my flower bed covers the front of our sidewalk and then goes back about a third of the way to our backyard. I had laid out my pavers to see how many I had and then that gave me an idea of about how long I could make my flowerbed.
Enrich Your Flower Bed Soil
Ok, so you have picked out a spot that needs a little love and you have dug out the shape of the new garden bed. Now, loosen the soil to a depth of about 12 inches using a spade or garden fork to improve aeration and root penetration.
Another of my flower gardening tips is that it is always a good idea to enrich the garden soil. Incorporate plenty of organic material like compost, aged manure, or shredded leaves into the soil. This enriches the soil with nutrients, improves its structure, and enhances moisture retention. For optimal results, mix the organic matter thoroughly, ensuring even distribution throughout the bed. If you want to keep it simple, just add a bag of potting soil in with your original dirt just so your flowers can have some extra nourishment and fresh dirt. You can always ask the person at the garden shop what you should grab for your soil type and new plants!
Choosing What Type Of Flowers To Grow
Next, up on your flower bed how to tips is to decide what you’d like to plant and what would grow well once you have dug out your flowerbed. For mine, part of the flower bed is in the shade and gets barely any sun and the front part gets a good deal of sun. So, I needed a few different types of flowers for this area. I chose a few hostas for the shady part (which have nice foliage and pretty blooms) and I planted zinnia seeds (which are already coming up) for the front sunny part of the flowerbed.
You may wish to consider which flowers are perennial (they come back year after year) and which ones are annual. You may also wish to consider planting a mix so that if you plant perennial flower bulbs you also have an area where annuals can be changed out for the different fall and spring seasons. Additionally, you may also wish to consider native plants for your landscaping because they require less care.
Planting Flower Seeds
Planting seeds is cheaper than buying the already bloomed flowers but you have to plant those early so that your flowers will bloom and flower in time for late spring/early summer…don’t wait till the middle of summer to plant seeds! I suggest going to a local garden store and browsing around! See what plants and flowers they have laying out in the sun and check out the ones in the shade. You can also read packs of seeds to see what area they should be planted in. I love Zinnas for bright, colorful flower beds.
Chose Flowers For Full Sun or Part Shade
I love hostas when it comes to needing a plant for a shady spot. They are hardy and don’t need much care and they come back every year which is nice! I always love zinnias for a sunny spot. They’re beautiful flowers and keep their bloom all summer long!
How to keep cats out of flower beds
Keeping cats out of flower beds can be challenging, but several humane and effective methods can deter them. Here are some strategies:
1. Use Natural Deterrents
- Citrus Peels: Cats dislike the smell of citrus. Scatter orange, lemon, or lime peels around your flower bed.
- Essential Oils: Dilute citronella, lavender, or peppermint oils with water and spray the soil. Avoid spraying directly on plants.
2. Add Physical Barriers
- Mulch with Texture: Use pinecones, rough bark, or stone mulch, as cats dislike walking on sharp or uncomfortable surfaces.
- Chicken Wire: Lay chicken wire flat over the soil, securing it with stakes. Plants can grow through the holes, but cats won’t like the texture.
- Garden Fencing: Install low fencing or decorative barriers to keep cats out.
3. Create a Cat-Repellent Flower Bed
- Plant species that cats avoid, such as:
- Coleus canina (commonly called “Scaredy Cat Plant”)
- Lavender
- Rosemary
- Rue
By combining these methods, you can discourage cats from entering your flower beds while keeping your garden pet-friendly and thriving.
How to keep weeds out of flower beds
Keeping weeds out of flower beds is essential for maintaining their beauty and ensuring healthy plant growth. Start by preparing the soil properly before planting, removing all existing weeds, roots, and debris. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch, such as shredded bark, straw, or wood chips, to smother weeds and retain soil moisture. Consider using landscape fabric beneath the mulch for added protection, but ensure it allows water and air to reach the soil. Plant flowers densely to minimize open spaces where weeds can grow. Regularly inspect the flower bed and pull weeds by hand or use a hoe as soon as they appear, focusing on removing the roots. Adding edging around the flower bed can prevent grass and invasive weeds from encroaching. With consistent maintenance and preventative measures, you can keep your flower beds weed-free and thriving.
Conclusion
Creating a flower bed is a rewarding project that enhances your outdoor space and allows you to express your creativity. By selecting the right location, preparing the soil, choosing plants suited to your climate, and designing with aesthetics in mind, you can build a vibrant and thriving flower bed. Regular maintenance, such as watering, fertilizing, and weeding, will ensure your flowers stay healthy and beautiful throughout the seasons. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, a well-designed flower bed adds charm and joy to your home while connecting you to the beauty of nature.
I hope you found these flower bed how to tips helpful to get you started. Do you enjoy getting outside to garden? You may want to get the kids outside to help you. Teaching kids gardening is a great way to improve their self esteem. What are some of your go-to easy flowers for outdoor flowerbeds?
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