Nothing brightens up a yard like beautiful flower beds. Although, as the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, working long hours in the garden sounds less lovely and more like a sweaty chore. You can beat the heat but still enjoy dazzling summer blooms by trying out a few of these creative tips. Your neighbors will ask you what your gardening secret is.
Perennials for the Win-Win-Win
If you’re looking for a way to ensure you get beautiful blooms year after year without constant replanting, then perennials are your top choice. With a little work upfront establishing flower bulbs or rootstocks, you can have blooms that return year after year. Other perennial stars do well when you transplant grown plants. Once they’ve made themselves at home, you’ll get a reliable show every year with just a little maintenance from you.
On the Side
Side yards and shaded areas need a little flower power, too. Gardeners often neglect side yards because they’re not sure what to grow there. The side of the house is often shaded and may also be damper than the rest of the yard. Fortunately, many plants thrive in these quieter areas. Consider verdant hostas — there are so many varieties available in different shades, from chartreuse to deep teal. Some culinary herbs do well in partial shade as well.
Give Them a Raise
For a visual oomph, a raised garden bed always delivers. You can make the raised bed fun by giving it an oval or undulating shape. Elevated beds not only lift colorful blooms off the ground in a built-in feature, but they can also give plants a healthier place to thrive. If the soil is poor or drainage is an issue, a raised setup can give you the real estate you need for a beautiful, successful flower bed.
Creative Garden Features
You are only limited by your imagination. If an item can hold soil, you can plant a flower in it. Try rummaging through your garage for old or unused wheelbarrows, suitcases, or even dresser drawers to create quirky and rustic planters for flowers. You can give old materials new life and give your garden an interesting talking point.
Grow up Already
Nothing brings out creativity like limited space. And if you don’t have a lot of room, it might be time to go vertical. You can bring your flower beds to new heights with stacking planters, trellises, stepped raised beds, and more. Even more limited? Finally, try hanging planters or window planters for mini-flower garden beauty. Even balconies can shine if you start looking up.
You might also like: Jump-Starting 101
Your Summer Garden, Reimagined
This might be the summer you try something different. Don’t be afraid to get creative in your flower beds. Additionally, you can look online or through magazines for inspiration or sit down with a pen and paper and sketch out something fun. Have a look around for materials you already have. But whatever you do, don’t forget to sit back and enjoy the gorgeous flower fruits of your labor.
Disclaimer: The stock image is being used for illustrative purposes only, and it is not a direct representation of the business, recipe, or activity listed. Any person depicted in the stock image is a model.