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Flower Bed LandscapingFlower bed landscaping can make the difference between integrating your flower bed into existing landscaping and just plopping one down in the middle and hoping it fits in. There are ways to make your flower bed feel organic to its surroundings. If you have the money you can consult with a professional landscaping company. You may be able to find referrals from friends or other gardening enthusiasts in your area on who excels at the styles you like best. If you're like most of us and prefer to do it yourself for whatever reason, there are a few things to take into consideration when planning your flower bed landscaping. First, what style do you like? Do you like manicured traditional landscaping with a flower bed bordering your walkways, patio's, or fences? Or do you find yourself drawn to the loose, overgrown abundance of a cottage garden? The style you prefer will make a difference when you are planning your flower bed landscaping.  If you prefer a more traditional landscaping, you'll want to choose plants that reflect that style.
Perhaps a row of pansies, petunias, marigolds or lavender along the front, lined with pavers or brick
to delineate the edge of the flower bed. Other flower bed plants that may be included in a traditional flower bed might include day lilies, canna lilies, roses or Martha Washington geraniums. Traditional flower beds generally leave room between the plants where the mulch shows. Plants are kept trimmed and orderly. Freely spreading shrubs like forsythia may be pruned into rounded, fuller shapes, and there may be small hedges incorporated to edge some flower beds. A newer take on traditional landscaping uses curved beds installed around small areas of lawn. Junipers, chrysanthemums, or more tropical looking canna lilies are set carefully into these beds with lots of space between them. Weeds are easily seen when they appear, so they can quickly be eradicated. Stones may be judiciously placed between plantings. These traditional manicured gardens are found all overÂ… in new neighborhoods and old neighborhoods, surrounding modern houses and old Victorian or Craftsman houses. Traditional landscaping can fit most housing styles. Cottage gardens are the exact opposite. A profusion of flowers and foliage fall all over each other, crowding so closely that after a couple years no weeds can squeeze through. Tumbling roses, tall hollyhocks and breezy baby's breath nestle into each other, forming a giant floral arrangement. Trellises are overwhelmed with vines or roses, and you are just as likely to find green beans growing behind the Shasta daisies as you are to find a tangle of honeysuckle.  A cottage garden
often has fence panels, benches or bits of statuary scattered amongst the plants to set off their attributes.
Some even feature old water pumps or antique windows to create a sense of whimsy in the flower bed. Narrow
pathways meander through the vegetation, inviting and secret. There are some landscape designs for flower beds that lie somewhere in between these two extremes. These flower beds will have clearly delineated edges, but may be filled with coral bells, daisies, and trellises of clematis or jasmine. The plants are allowed to grow together, filling the borders of the bed. Combinations of old-fashioned annuals and perennials blend seamlessly with newer varieties and some tropical elements with no problems. A neatly manicured lawn divides these combination flower beds, keeping them in their designated spots. Wherever your likes and dislikes fall, there are ways to blend your flower bed landscaping into your yard. Just be sure to include what is dear to your heart. If you want a sunny yellow to dominate your yard because it complements the color of your house, do so. If you have always wanted a rose garden, find out how best to make that fit seamlessly into your yard. It is your flower bed gardenÂ… plant what you like best, no matter if that is a giant hydrangea bush or tiny violets growing wild around your trees. |
Flower Bed Related Articles Create a Flower Bed using Grasses A in-depth look on how to create a flower bed using grasses. Design a Flower Bed Steps to design a flower bed, from choosing the right location to planting the flowers. Flower Bed Edging A look at the different types of flower bed edging available. Flower Bed Fence Flower bed fence tips and ideas Flower Bed Landscaping Ideas Examples of flower beds using differnt flower combinations. Flower Bed Plants A look at the 4 primary groups of flower bed plants that you use in a flower bed. Annual Flower Beds Ideas and tips for planting annual flower beds. Flower Bed Ideas Flower bed ideas including plants for your cut flower bed and color combinations for your flower garden. Design a Perennial Flower Bed Design a perennial flower bed with these tips, including choosing the right location and a list of perennial flowers. Build A Flower Bed Easy Steps to Build a Flower Bed Over The Backyard Fence CommunityGet Help From Your Online NeighborsAsk and Discuss Landscaping IdeasShow Off Your BackyardShare your Pictures
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