Design Ideas for Flower & Vegetable Gardens

Create the garden you've always wanted.

There are endless ways to design a vegetable or a flower garden. Shade gardens, cottage gardens, container gardens "salsa gardens" and small-plot vegetable gardens are just some of the ways to keep gardening interesting, productive and relaxing. Create gardens are large or small as you choose with fun accents, water features and concrete sculpture and more.

Shade Garden

Brighten up dark spots with shade-loving plants.

Shade gardens add brightness and greenery to a backyard mostly covered in shade. Use ample compost with each plant to promote strong growth. Shade gardens require deeper watering as opposed to light frequent watering. Watering that is "slow and deep" helps the roots better establish themselves against things like drought. Choose a watering system based on what type of plants and soil your shade garden has. Set up a water feature such as a small pond or fountain around the garden for easy water access, or use a sprinkler system or drip irrigation to ensure the area is always kept damp. Decorate with light-colored stepping stones and statues, as dark-colored objects will not be noticeable in the shade.

Container and Small Plot Vegetable Gardens

Small plot and container gardening can be used for a wide variety of vegetables.

Small garden plots are ideal for the busy person who loves to garden but is short on time. Small plots also allow plants to grow closer together, which provides the soil with shade and allows more moisture to reach the crops. They are also easy to maneuver and take care of. Plant your favorite vegetables and use mulch around the crops to keep moisture level high. Make pathways to lesson chances of harming crops.

Container vegetable gardens fit just about anywhere and can be arranged in any fashion. Larger vegetables can be planted without taking up much space and accents such as water spitters (available at garden supply stores) can be used to decorate such gardens. They are also ideal for someone learning the basics of vegetable gardening.

English Cottage Gardens

Roses are lovely additions to English cottage gardens.

English cottage gardens are a popular garden design that uses "old-fashioned" flowers such as roses and hydrangeas. Aged brick or pavers make a patio that requires little care and offers earthy tones that compliment flowers and foliage. Concrete, stone and wood sculptures are often used as are decorative birdhouses.

Salsa Lover's Garden

Make your own salsa from your salsa garden.

The "Salsa Lover's Garden" is perfect for those who enjoy making their own salsa, and answers the question of what to do with your garden vegetables. Dig up an area of your garden after the last of the frost has gone, usually in the spring. Plant vegetables like bell peppers, red chili peppers, jalapeno peppers, tomatoes, garlic and complementary herbs like parsley, oregano and basil.

References

• Garden Ideas: Garden Designs
• Gardening Know How: Vegetable Garden Design
• Idea Queen: Salsa Lover's Garden
• University of Ilinois Extension: Horticulture Learn & Grow: Gardening In The Shade
• University of Minnesota Extension: Gardening In The Shade

Resources

• Flower Gardening Made Easy: Flower Gardening From The Ground Up
• Easy Shade Gardening: Shade Garden Ideas & Plans