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Choosing the Right Flower for the Right Spot in Your Garden

Choosing the Right Flower for the Right Spot in Your Garden


Gardening is an endlessly creative opportunity. By changing up the plants you have around your property, you can make big changes to the look of your home. For best results, you’ll want to put plants in a spot where they will have the best chance to thrive. Just because you plant something that doesn’t do well in one spot doesn’t mean you won’t be able to grow it next year in a location that will make the plant happier.

Sunlight

If your home is new, you likely don’t have a lot of shade trees. You will want to plant sun-tolerant flowers, particularly to the south. Annuals that will allow you to work on the soil each year can be a great choice. Consider putting in flowers such as

  • zinnias
  • sunflowers
  • marigolds

If you’re ready to put in perennials in a sunny border garden, consider putting in a peony bush for a burst of color and glorious bloom!

Soil

Flowers tend to be heavy feeders and require a lot of nutrients. If your soil is sandy, or if you’re not sure what your soil quality is, consider adding a biodegradable mulch. Pine bark mulch will break down nicely over the course of the summer and you can turn it under next spring to improve the quality of your soil. 

To enjoy colorful flowers no matter your soil type, plant hearty varieties, such as

  • asters
  • black-eyed susans
  • gaillardia 

All 3 of these are perennials, which you can split and spread out next year.

Water

Consider putting down soaker hoses before you plant your flowers. Whether you’re putting in perennials or annuals, flowers will generally be healthier if you can water them at the root. Water them early in the day so they can be prepared to go to work when the sun hits them.

Ground covering flowering plants, such as ice plant, are an ideal choice if your area is prone to extreme heat. These plants offer a brilliant pink flower and glossy green leaves that protect the soil from drying out. If you long for passionflower or clematis vines, ice plants around the base can keep the vine roots cool and encourage stronger growth.

Wind

Take a walk around your home and note areas where the wind blows the hardest. This may be a good spot for a 

  • butterfly bush
  • fountain grass
  • forsythia
  • wild rose bush

Roses actually need wind, particularly in the morning, to reduce the risk of mold and rot forming on the leaves. A rose bush that gets enough of a morning breeze will stay healthier in the long run.

Take a walk around your new neighborhood and note which yards you admire most. Are they just one color, or filled with a riot of flowers? Each homeowner needs to decide how often they will change out the flowers in their gardens. For your first year, annuals may provide you with all the flowers you want. As you learn what works well in your region and your soil, you can build a stock of perennials to enjoy.