Having a garden is an exciting and rewarding experience, but the first time you try to plan and plant your own flower garden can be a little daunting. With a few simple tips, however, you’ll be enjoying your garden in no time.

Plan-a-Garden

A flower garden can add color and fragrance to your outdoor living space. It can be as small as a window box or as large as a raised garden bed. The goal is to select plants that will bloom for a long time and require little maintenance.

Before purchasing plants, plan out your flower bed in advance. Start with the basics such as sun, soil, and drainage. After the flowers are established, mulch and add plant food.

Use a flow chart to determine the order of your flowers. This will allow you to move from one area to the next without having to make a bunch of cuts.

In addition to color, consider the height of the plants. Taller plants should be located behind shorter plants. Mixing plants of varying heights creates a unique and interesting garden.

You can also mix shapes to achieve a visual interest. For instance, you can create a meadow-like effect with a mixture of different types of shrubs.

Another useful tip is to use plants that require less water. If you aren’t sure how much water your flowers need, look for plants that have been shown to do well in water.

There are many flowers to choose from. Some flowers have beautiful foliage while others are designed to bloom on their own. Consider which flowers will be used in arrangements and which ones will be dried and stored for future use.

As you design your garden, remember to have fun. Sketching your plan will also make a great rainy day activity.

A flow chart can also be a great way to visualize the different options available. Just keep in mind that it is not necessary to stick with the obvious.

Annuals

Annuals are a great addition to a flower garden. These plants are easy to grow, add flair to your landscape and come in a wide range of colors, shapes and textures. But it’s important to know how to grow annuals so you can enjoy the full benefits of this beautiful plant.

When planting annuals, it’s important to plan your garden bed. This will keep your landscape looking great throughout the year.

You should consider the amount of sunlight in your area. You should also look for plants that have varying heights and textures. Plants that have foliage that hangs over the ground are ideal.

To plant your annuals, make sure you dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball. If you dig too deep, you may end up damaging the plant’s stem. Make sure to water it thoroughly after planting.

To prevent weeds and other pests, lay down a layer of mulch on top of the soil. The mulch will help to slow down evaporation, and will also keep the soil from drying out. It’s also an excellent way to keep the roots of your plants moist.

Water your annuals after you plant them. A gentle shower of water from a watering wand or hose-end sprayer can be very effective.

Annuals are a great choice for beginners because they are so easy to care for. They are also available in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes.

The University of Illinois Extension recommends preparing the soil with organic mulch. Soil amendments are essential for healthy plants. They will add nutrients and help your plants grow well.

Using the right tools and techniques, you can easily grow annuals in your garden. Remember to fertilize monthly and deadhead regularly to encourage the growth and bloom of your plants.

Perennials

Perennials are a key ingredient in any flower garden. They require little care and come back year after year. However, choosing the right perennials can be confusing. So, here’s a list of perennials for beginners.

Coneflower is one of the easiest perennials to grow. It’s easy to plant, and the flowers are available in many colors. This perennial is also very attractive to hummingbirds and butterflies.

Garden Phlox is another perennial that you can add to your garden. It grows 18 inches tall and has sturdy stems. This perennial has a sweet fragrance and is excellent for cutting and vase arrangements. Besides being deer-resistant, it’s great for attracting hummingbirds.

Blazing Star is another low-maintenance perennial. The beautiful purple plant grows to 2 to 4 feet tall. To thrive, it requires full sun exposure and moist soil.

Aruncus is another perennial that grows slowly but can live for 100 years. The leaves are fern-like, and the flowers are similar to those of an astilbe.

Yarrow is another long-blooming perennial. It produces armloads of flowers from early summer to fall.

Hostas are another popular perennial. These plants come in all sizes, including dwarf varieties. Their graceful spikes of lavender or white blooms brighten up shady areas.

A native perennial is a good choice for beginner gardeners. It’s often found along roadsides in the U.S. and Canada. As with other perennials, it is a great way to attract pollinating insects. In addition, it doesn’t need rich soil to thrive.

Lady’s Mantle is a classic perennial that provides year-round color. It’s drought-resistant, and it has dainty yellow flowers that last for weeks.

Peonies are a popular flower, and they’re easy to grow. They’re best planted in spring or fall. Plant them with 12 to 18 inches between them. When planting, mulch them to prevent frost heave.

Pest control

If you are new to gardening, it can be tough to know how to control pests. A great place to start is to identify the types of pests in your area.

Fortunately, there are many options available. From netting to nematodes, there are tools to help you deal with pests in your garden. And if you are worried about using chemicals, there are organic alternatives.

Depending on your climate and pest infestation, you may need to repeat applications of a pesticide to keep insects from re-infesting your plants. Keeping your plants trimmed and clean will also reduce pest populations.

Using beneficial insects can reduce your pest load and help the garden ecosystem. Some plants attract these creatures, while others repel them. You can learn more about these options by visiting a local university extension office.

In addition to attracting predatory bugs, flowering plants can repel harmful insects. Flowers have chemical defenses that discourage insect damage. These include nasturtium, yarrow alyssum, and borage.

One option to consider is planting companion plants. This will attract beneficial insects and discourage predatory ones. It will also help your plants to withstand the pressure of disease and pests.

Another effective method is to use pheromone traps. They are a type of insect trap that lures both beneficial and destructive insects. Putting a pheromone trap around your garden will help prevent insects from getting into your plants.

Many beneficial insects are attracted to flowering plants. Plants like nasturtium, dill, and yarrow alyssum are favorites of these animals.

Nematodes are helpful against root weevil, beetle, and cutworm larvae. You can buy them online, at a nursery, or at a local garden center.

The best way to control pests is to determine their source. The first step is to identify the larval stages of the pests.