Tips to Create a Flower Garden
One of the things that add beauty, color, and charm to many events is the floral arrangements that decorate these events. Can you imagine a wedding without flowers or Valentine’s Day without roses?
We use flowers to express our love, our appreciation, to express well wishes, and so on.
Flowers can also transform our surroundings whether indoors or outdoors. It can really give that touch of elegance. So with that being said, our focus will be on creating a flower garden that will not only add beauty or attract some wildlife but also cause your grounds to be the talk of the town.
Let’s start a flower garden
Choose a location
Some plants love full sunlight, some love partial sunlight, and yet there are others that love the shade. Even though some plants are shade-loving plants they still require some sunlight in order to survive. So in planning a flower garden, you will need to look for a sunny location that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight.
Preparing your chosen site for planting
The first ingredient for success in creating a flower garden is, to begin with, the soil. Most aspiring gardeners fail simply because at the start of the garden the soil is not taken into consideration. To know more about soils click on this link garden soils- nature’s gold.
Also, you will need to get a soil ph test done. This is done by collecting several small samples of soil with a tablespoon from several different areas in the garden and sent to the lab to be tested or purchasing a soil ph test kit and do the test yourself also large rocks, debris, trash, weeds, and whatever else needs to be cleared away.
Once you have gotten back the results, you will know what you need to do in order to make the adjustment to your soil. It is good to add soil amendments such as compost, chicken manure, peat moss, etc… The added benefits of soil amendments are soil amendments will improve the soil structure, drainage, and moisture retention.
Once you have added some amendments to your soil, with a shovel begin to mix the amendments into the soil making sure that everything is thoroughly mixed. Next, with the back of a hard rock rake begin to grade or smooth the area try to get the area as smooth as possible.
Choosing your plants
The next step is to begin choosing garden plants for your garden area. There are so many flowering plants that you can choose from so don’t let that stop or confuse you. One of the best places to start is with flowers that are in season.
What I like to do is to incorporate plants naturally which colors in the leaves because with colorful leaves you will always have color year-round in your garden. Even when the season for your plants to flower has passed.
Depending on the size of your garden will determine the number of plants you should use. For example: If I am planting a small garden that can facilitate about 15 plants, 1o of those plants would be plants that have color in their leaves and the other 5 would be flowering plants. But if you choose all flowering plants then that’s ok the choice is up to you.
Just use your imagination and be creative.
Planting method
When installing plants of various sizes, keep in mind to dig the planting hole a little wider than the size of the root ball of the plant that is to be installed. The reason for this is to give the root ball enough space to grow.
When placing the plant in the hole only place the root ball in the hole. From the trunk up should be above ground. Fill the hole with soil and gently firm the soil around with your hands or feet.
Make sure when installing plants, give your plants the extra space to grow. Space them about 3-4 feet apart. This may seem a little strange but remember plants need room to grow along with proper air circulation. After you have finished your planting, rake the soil again gently in the plant bed to level any uneven areas.
Adding mulch
Next, add about 2-3 inches of mulch around the plants. The reason for this is that mulch not only gives that finished decorative look but mulch also keeps weeds down, retains moisture, keeps soil temperature cool, adds nutrients to the soil as it breaks down, and helps to balance soil ph.
Watering methods
When watering ensure to water the soil until the soil is moist. Being careful not to overwater because too much water can cause root rot encouraging disease.
Fertilizing methods
After about a month you can begin to fertilize with a balanced fertilizer of 20-20-20 or check with your nurseryman for more options. The label is the law so follow the label to the letter.
Garden insect pests control
Insects can do serious damage to plant life. Knowing how to counter-attack will be the difference between success or failure. Don’t let this scare you. For more information on insects follow these links. Garden pest and pest control methods.
Maintenance procedures
Keep the garden clean and clear of debris. Water your garden 3 times a week and more frequently in the summer. Pull weeds at the first sign. Replenish mulch as needs arise.
The final word
When choosing plants for your garden ask your nurseryman about the care of your plants so you can be more knowledgeable about how to take care of your plant. Let’s get started and give your yard a facelift.
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About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.
Wauw beautiful pictures of gardens. Are these your own? Im impressed. Really love gardeing. Makes me feel at peace with myself and serves as a form of meditation for me. The theme you have picked really suits your topic. Cheers on that one. I can learn a few things from you.
Good evening Maurice thanks for your kind words. Actually I burrowed these pictures but I have worked with all kinds of plants, I have been in this field now for almost 21 years. Thanks again for the follow, if you need any advice and you think that I can help feel free to give me a shout. Again thanks a million.