How to Site a Flower Bed

Site your flower beds along the front path or along the fence or property boundary. Or, if your priority is growing lots of cut flowers for the house, find a place that is ideal for growing flowers and work the rest of the garden design around the bed. Here are some guidelines for choosing the best site.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Annual Plants
• Birdbaths
• Flower Bulbs
• Garden Benches
• Garden Statues
• Gardening Tools
• Perennial Plants

1. Choose a site that is in full sun during the growing season. (See 'eHow To Understand Your Site's Solar Orientation.")

2. Opt for a site that gets sun in early spring if you are in a cold climate, since a site that thaws early will allow you to prepare your beds earlier.

3. Select a site with easy access. You'll need to carry tools to the flower bed and carry cut flowers back to the house.

4. Pick one with excellent drainage.

5. Make sure the site can be completely cleared of existing vegetation, including tree stumps.

6. Choose a site that is not directly under a tree. You'll damage the tree's roots when you dig the bed.

7. Pick a site visible from the formal rooms of your house, from which you can view your flowers while indoors.

8. Select a site that can be seen from the street, since flowers are a traditional way to adorn your home.

9. Choose a site with a pleasant place for a bench. You'll enjoy sitting down to admire the results of your gardening efforts.