How to Add Contrast to a Flower Bed

Adding contrasting plants and textures can add a whole new dimension to any flower bed. Having a diverse floral mix can turn a monotone bed of flowers into a bursting bouquet. Bright flower colors, bold leave textures and patterns can be appealing and attractive when planted together. This article will show you how to use a mix of colors and shapes to add contrast to a flower bed.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shovel
• Garden trowel
• Gardening plants in various heights, colors, and textures such as:
• Fine textured flowers such as Forget-Me-Nots
• Plants with bold-patterned leaves as hostas or any variegated plant variety.
• Bold-colored flowers in shades of purple and bright blue such irises and Bell Flowers
• mulch

1. Select an even planting area. Clear weeds and grass from the area. Spread at least 2 inches of mulch over the area and work into the ground by turning the soil and mixing. A tiller will make this process easier.

2. Starting in the back of the bed, plant the Bell Flowers or other tall, brightly colored flowers. Space flowers according to plant variety and type. Consider using a variety of plants that bloom at the same time. For example, Foxgloves and Bell Flowers bloom during the late spring and early summer, whereas Cannas and Queen Anne's lace bloom in the late summer and fall. Also be sure that you've planted a variety of flowers with different bloom times so your garden isn't void of color at one particular time or another.

3. Plant a hosta a least one foot from the front of the flower bed. Space hostas at least 3 feet apart to allow for growth and air circulation. Plant irises next to the hostas.

4. Fill the front of the flower bed with Forget-Me-Nots or any other fine textured flower. Fill any empty spaces with the Forget-Me-Nots.

5. Water the flower bed generously and add mulch to the top.