Designing a Flower Garden? Don’t Make These 5 Rookie Mistakes
Excited about designing your first flower garden? Calm down before you make these 5 rookie mistakes.
When designing your first flower garden,
you’re bound to make some mistakes.
Nick Statton of Monrovia plant
sellers says beginners don’t ask enough questions or read planting labels. The
cure? Don’t be shy about bugging your local plant growers with basic inquiries —
they’re there to help!
George Pisegna of The Horticultural Society of New York says newbies don’t know enough about their soil. Get smart by testing your soil.
What other mistakes do first-time gardeners make when designing and planting their flower gardens?
Mistake 1: Disregarding the sun
Do you know how many hours of full sun your garden gets each day in each season?
If you can delay gratification, study your yard over a year before designing a garden. See how long the sun shines in the fall, spring, and summer. Read planting labels to determine how much sun a particular plant needs.
Sun-loving plants, such as roses, need at least 6 hours of sun a day; partial sun/shade plants need 4 to 6 hours; and shade plants need little or dappled sunlight: more sun can burn their leaves.
Mistake 2: Failing to consider color
It doesn’t matter what color story you tell, just make sure you know the story before you plant. Here are some ideas:
George Pisegna of The Horticultural Society of New York says newbies don’t know enough about their soil. Get smart by testing your soil.
What other mistakes do first-time gardeners make when designing and planting their flower gardens?
Mistake 1: Disregarding the sun
Do you know how many hours of full sun your garden gets each day in each season?
If you can delay gratification, study your yard over a year before designing a garden. See how long the sun shines in the fall, spring, and summer. Read planting labels to determine how much sun a particular plant needs.
Sun-loving plants, such as roses, need at least 6 hours of sun a day; partial sun/shade plants need 4 to 6 hours; and shade plants need little or dappled sunlight: more sun can burn their leaves.
Mistake 2: Failing to consider color
It doesn’t matter what color story you tell, just make sure you know the story before you plant. Here are some ideas:
- Pull out your color wheel and find plants with complementary colors, such as yellow coreopsis with violet salvia.
- Monochromatic gardens are stunners. Dot your one-color story with whites (daisies) and greens (hostas), considered neutrals in the garden world.
- If you want to attract birds, add plants with vivid colors. Hummingbirds like reds, and goldfinches fly to yellows.
- Pick blooms that contrast with the exterior paint color of your house, so plants will stand out and add to your curb appeal.
Mistake 3:
Over-planting
When it comes to perennials, remember this rule: First year they sleep; second year they creep; third year they leap. Be sure to leave 2-3 feet between plants, giving them room to breathe and space to grow.
Mistake 4: Favoring lines over bunches
Tulips look like lonely soldiers when planted in lines. Instead, arrange bulbs and plants in more natural-looking, odd-numbered clusters of 3, 5, 7, and so on.
Mistake 5: Forgetting that size matters
Check labels for mature plant heights. Tallest go in back; medium in the middle; shortest in front. And don’t forget to install a focal point, like an ornamental tree or fountain.
When it comes to perennials, remember this rule: First year they sleep; second year they creep; third year they leap. Be sure to leave 2-3 feet between plants, giving them room to breathe and space to grow.
Mistake 4: Favoring lines over bunches
Tulips look like lonely soldiers when planted in lines. Instead, arrange bulbs and plants in more natural-looking, odd-numbered clusters of 3, 5, 7, and so on.
Mistake 5: Forgetting that size matters
Check labels for mature plant heights. Tallest go in back; medium in the middle; shortest in front. And don’t forget to install a focal point, like an ornamental tree or fountain.
Lisa Kaplan
Gordon
Lisa Kaplan Gordon is a HouseLogic contributor and builder of luxury homes in
McLean, Va. She’s been a Homes editor for Gannett News Service and has reviewed
home improvement products for AOL.
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