Landscape Elements: Creating Flowerbeds
Creating flower beds in the yard away from the house can add extra curb appeal, help break up large expanses of green lawn and improve the view looking out your windows.
Planting beds surrounding an existing tree or a newly planted tree is a good place to start. Depending on the size of the tree and how much shade it casts will determine the type of plants used in the bed. You can plant a single ring of plants around your tree, create an elaborate layered bed of plants or opt for something in between.
Use the same principles when planting a bed in the yard as you would in beds next to your house.
• You can be creative with the shape of the bed, it doesn’t have to be a circle.
• Choose what type of edging, if any, you will use.
• Use rocks/boulders, a bench, yard art, junktiques, or pottery in the bed for added interest or character.
• The size of the bed will dictate how many plants and varieties you can use in your design.
• If you are using several varieties, then mix it up with different textures, colors and shapes.
You can also create beds without a tree, for example:
Liven up a bench or seating area with plants.
Create a butterfly or hummingbird garden using their favorite plants to get nectar from.
Plant a moon garden full of white blooming plants that glow in the light of the moon.
Add a bit of desert with a rock garden filled with sedums and southwest plants.
Design a bed around an existing or new fountain.
Help the bees and add a pollinator garden.
Create a perennial cottage garden
Plant around your pool
These stand-alone plantings give you an opportunity to combine those interesting plants that didn’t fit into the beds surrounding your house. You can be more creative, use almost anything as a focal point or let the plants shine on their own. Have fun!