How to Arrange Flowers in a Flower Bed

A well-arranged flower bed doesn’t just look great; it also allows the plants to thrive. If you’re putting in a new flower bed this spring, don’t be intimidated—simply use these tips on how to arrange flowers in a flower bed. With the right inspiration, you’ll be well on your way to creating a symphony of colours and textures in your garden.

Think About Sun & Water Requirements

If the flower bed is in a sunny location, you need plants that thrive in full sun. Likewise, if the bed is in the shade, part-sun or full-shade plants are a must.

Visualize the Future

When researching your flower options, be sure to note different plant sizes at maturity, a vital consideration when determining the proper distance between them. The key is to anticipate what your garden will look like down the road, even if that means it looks sparse when you plant it initially. After all, a few months from now, your flowers will grow much fuller, taller, and more colourful, and you don’t want to overcrowd them.

Take Colors, Textures & Shapes into Account

Consider choosing a colour scheme, such as monochromatic, harmonious, or complementary. If you decide to include a wide spectrum of hues, spread the colours evenly throughout the garden. Remember, flowers don’t bloom simultaneously. Incorporate staggered bloom times to ensure visual interest throughout the growing season.

Texture and shape are also important considerations. For the most visual interest, include plants with a mix of small and large flowers, solid and variegated foliage, short and long stems, round and spear-shaped leaves. Spread these variations around the garden to help it appear balanced.

Mix Annuals and Perennials

Anchoring the flower bed with perennials helps form the structure of your garden. Since they return year after year, perennials also reduce the chore of planting every spring. Still, you may want to incorporate some annuals to enjoy a little diversity every summer.

Consider Plant Heights

When you purchase seedlings for your flower garden, everything may be close to the same height. However, knowing how tall some plants will become over the months (and years, in the case of perennials) reveals their appropriate location in your flower bed.

The goal is to create a backdrop of plants to serve as a “canvas” for the rest of the arrangement. When layering your garden bed, plant tall, full shrubs in the back row. Medium-sized perennials belong in the middle row. Finish it off with a low-growing mix of colourful annuals and perennials in the front row. A nicely layered garden bed ensures maximum visual appeal once all the plants mature.

Include a Focal Point

Whether you add a piece of garden art, bird fountain, or ornamental tree, consider including a focal point somewhere in your flower bed. This catches the eye, giving it a place to start before meandering over the rest of the garden.

Once you know how to layout a flower garden, be prepared to continue caring for your plants so they thrive for many seasons to come. If you’re not up for the task, leave it to The Grounds Guys®! We offer flower bed maintenance to keep your garden looking its best year after year. Contact us today for a free job estimate. Then, if your yard has a fence, consider sprucing it up with a fresh coat of paint this spring. Five Star Painting can get the job done quickly and professionally.

Did you know? The Grounds Guys is a Neighborly company. Learn more about Neighbourly’s community of home service experts at GetNeighbourly.ca