How to Design a Perennial Flower Bed
Perennial flowers are a pleasure because they bloom year after year, unlike annuals, which typically only last for a single season. A perennial flower bed can provide color, dimension and fragrance to your garden with a relatively small amount of effort. Without replanting, you can watch the same flowers return for several consecutive springs. Planning such a bed can be a fun process. You must take into account such factors as color, placement, climate, and your own personal tastes. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Determine which growing zone of the United States you live in and select flowers that thrive in your zone. Seed packets typically provide basic information about growing zones. You can also view a U.S.D.A. Plant Hardiness Zone Map at www.growit.com. Remember the number of your zone as you consider types of perennial flowers to plant.
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Determine your favorite colors and choose perennial flowers that reflect the hues you prefer.
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Examine a color wheel, a circular diagram of colors used in color theory. Use the color wheel to discover which colors are complementary, or opposite each other on the wheel, and harmonious, or in the same color family. Combine complementary and harmonious colors of flowers when you design your perennial flower bed.
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Consider whether fragrance is important to you. Opt for flowers with strong and pleasing fragrances if you enjoy a scented garden. Avoid flowers that are strongly scented if you are sensitive to fragrances.
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Plan where you will position the flower bed. Choose perennial flowers that prefer full sun if the bed will be placed in a sunny location. Select shade-loving perennials if you will position the bed away from direct sunlight.
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Decide whether you want to incorporate non-floral elements in your flower bed, such as a gravel, brick or stone walking path; stepping stones; a gazing ball; a bench or chair; or a sculpture, sign, or other addition.
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Determine how you will water your flower bed. Make sure there is a hose, sprinkler or other source of water within reasonable distance of the flower bed to make watering easy and convenient.
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Draw a picture of your planned flower bed. Indicate where you will plant which flowers, and where you will position any other elements in the flower bed. Use this picture as a blueprint when you begin planting.
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Tips & Warnings
Coneflower, lavender, peonies, and hollyhocks are perennials that like full sun.
Hosta, foxglove, astilbe, and Christmas rose are perennial flowers that do well in the shade.
Aster, chrysanthemum, hibiscus, and verbena are perennials that attract butterflies.
