How to Plant Border Flowers Along Sidewalks

A flowering sidewalk border featuring only one color or plant is visually striking.

Flower borders soften the hard edges of sidewalks and provide a vibrant, colorful frame for your garden. Borders set the tone and color for larger plants and bushes featured in the beds. To create a natural appearance, choose plants of various heights in a variety of widths, textures and either contrasting or complementary colors. Group plants in random clumps rather than alternating, which gives an unnaturally planned look. For edging a sidewalk, it is best to choose plants that are low to medium height with a few strategically placed taller ornamentals planted near the back to add depth and character to the border.

Things You'll Need

• Spade
• Organic compost
• Border plants
• Organic mulch

Instructions

1. Plan your sidewalk border. Choose blossom colors that complement your home or existing landscaping. Visit your local home improvement center to find plants that are in season and grow well in your area. For best results, begin with one main color and two accent colors to avoid a busy look. Combining annuals and perennials in the border ensures that there will be color year-round.

2. Till the soil to a depth of 1 inch. Digging deeper often brings weed seeds to the surface. Apply a layer of organic compost and dig it in to incorporate it. Start with a 3- to 6-foot area; deeper borders will be more difficult to weed and maintain.

3. Plant the shortest flowers near the edge of the sidewalk. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Remove the plants from their pots and set in the holes, backfilling until the surface of the root ball is level with the bed. Plant in groups of three to five of the same color or variety.

4. Add the medium-height plants behind the lower growing plants. Allow enough room for the plants to spread.

5. Place a few tall accent plants near the back of the border. Leave spaces between the plants to avoid blocking the view of the rest of the garden.

6. Apply a 1-inch layer of organic mulch to the soil. Cover the root balls and any unplanted soil for a uniform look and to deter weeds. Water thoroughly.

Tips & Warnings

• Popular choices for border annuals include snapdragons, African and gerbera daisies, verbena, marigold, impatiens, pansies and petunias. Good short options are trailing lantana and blue star creeper.

• Suitable perennials are alyssum, sedum, dianthus, mint, lavender, primrose and salvia.

• Check with your local nursery for plants that grow well in your location and climate.

• Unless you are aiming for a structured look, avoid planting in evenly spaced rows.

References

• University of New Hampshire: Landscaping With Flowers; Charles H. Williams
• Gardening Know How: Using Flowers to Create Borders; Nikki Phipps

Resources

• USNA: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map