Creation of a perennial flowerbed

Creation of a perennial flowerbed

Required material

  • Measuring tape;
  • Grid paper;
  • Pencil and eraser;
  • Metric circle template.

Make a plan

  1. Take note of all measurements related to the location of the future flower bed (length, width, height of windows, doors, stairs, pavements, etc.);
  2. Transfer the measurements to a grid sheet. Working to scale, for example two squares to a foot, can be helpful;
  3. Determine the degree of sunlight in the bed (sun, half-shade, shade) to better choose the plants;
  4. Go to the garden centre and choose the plants, taking into account the degree of sunlight in the bed;
  5. Take notes: plant names (common and Latin), height and width of mature plants on labels;
  6. On the plan, place the largest plants at the back of the bed;
  7. Then place the medium-sized perennials in front of the larger ones;
  8. The smaller ones can then be placed in the front of the bed; some spaces can be left open to add annuals over the years;
  9. Buy the selected plants according to the plan.

Some tips for creating a perennial flowerbed

  • Choose a few trees, shrubs and conifers to integrate into the bed. They will provide structure when the perennials are dormant in winter or just emerging in spring;
  • For a balanced design, choose either warm colours (red, yellow, orange) or cool colours (blue, mauve, pink);
  • Incorporate some white flowers into the design to reduce the effect of being too hot or too cold;
  • Choose perennials according to their flowering period, including some that flower in April-May, others in June-July, and others from August to October. Add long-blooming annuals, which bloom from June to October, for example;
  • Vary the shapes and heights. Some plants are round in shape, some are tall and narrow, others are splayed, creeping, conical, etc;
  • Incorporate some colourful foliage plants for colour throughout the season;
  • Add structures to flower beds. Not to mention an outdoor living room, a statue, a bird bath, a bench, garden gnomes, a few rocks or a tree stump can decorate the flower beds. You have to know how to use your imagination!

Design and planting service available. Come and see us in shop or send us an email. We will be happy to help you design your green spaces.