Creating Flower Combinations in Your Garden

Executive Summary by: Kathleen Karlsen

Flowers can be combined in gardens in a variety of interesting ways. Flowers can be arranged in layers, by color, in natural groupings or by time of bloom.

flowers plants

Usually three tiers are sufficient, and the third tier is the tallest layer of plants. For very large gardens, this tier can be a tree line. For smaller gardens, shrubs or the tallest plants to be included in the garden can be used.

This also helps to avoid an overly structured, highly formal garden.

The key to remember when arranging gardens by color is that colors look different depending on the colors placed next to them. Bright colors jump forward whereas pastels recede visually.

Arranging gardens by natural groupings of plants mimics the patterns set in nature. When plants are grouped by time of bloom, the focus for the garden can shift as the season progresses.

Planning a Flower Border

Executive Summary by: Teri B. Clark

Flower borders are similar to flower gardens, but they are typically not as spacious. It is even possible to put a flower border along the front edge of medium sized annuals or perennials.

Flower borders are not a specific size. Once you determine where you would like to place a flower border, you will need to “create the space.” Many people mistakenly create straight edges and put their border flowers all in a row. Gentle curves work well.

The most logical way to choose flower plants is:

• Hardiness and light
• Blooming season
• Size
• Color
• Tall, spired-type flowers should be spaced about 1/4 as far apart as their mature height.

Spacing flower plants rules:

• Tall bushy plants should be spaced about 1/2 as far apart as their mature height.
• Creeping, groundcover-type plants may be spaced about twice as far apart as their mature height.

Borders can be different tones of the same color. White flowers and gray foliage help separate conflicting colors.

Don’t be too worried, however, because planting a flower is not like creating a cement foundation!

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