Garden beds can be set up by planting very different varieties of plants: flowers, evergreen shrubs, aromatic, low-maintenance, to attract insects and birds, or suitable for a particular microclimate.
In addition, the aesthetic aspect should not be neglected, through a balanced combination of individual elements, in a way that enhances the characteristics of each. In other words, creating a flower bed is not as simple as it might seem, both because of the many options available and because of the various factors to be considered.
What to know before setting up a garden bed
To create a beautiful flower bed in one's garden, it is not enough to simply plant plants or flowers to one's liking; it is necessary, first of all, to evaluate some 'technical' aspects viz:
- Soil pH, which is the acidity of the soil. Digital testers are readily available on the market that allow for quick and accurate measurement. A soil is acidic if the pH is less than 7; otherwise it is basic (or alkaline);
- sun exposure; while it is true that most shrubs tolerate full sun and half shade, the same cannot be said of flowers, which are generally more delicate in this respect;
- microclimate; many flower varieties, as well as some shrubs, fear winter frosts and do not tolerate wind or excessively high temperatures during the summer period. Therefore, the choice of plants that will make up the flower bed must also take into account the microclimatic properties of the area in which the garden is located;
- maintenance; each flower or shrub requires specific care (watering, fertilizing, pruning), which may vary depending on the season or the characteristics of the plant.
What plants and flowers to choose for your garden bed
Garden beds are composed mainly of flowers or shrubs; the latter need-in some cases-pruning and back-cutting, to shape the foliage and avoid overdevelopment of the stem and leaf apparatus. In addition, floral varieties almost always produce inflorescences between late spring and summer while shrubs, around the same time, develop minute flowers and small berries. Therefore, the arrangement of the various plants should also be taken care of to create a harmonious whole and achieve a valuable visual impact at any time of the year. But what plants and flowers should be planted? The answer depends on the final effect you prefer.
A winter evergreen flower bed, for example, can consist of shrubs such as eleagnum, domestic nandina, camedrio, osmanthus, pyracantha, rhaphiolepis, and holly.
Alternatively, you can opt for an arrangement consisting only of plants, both floral and shrubby, with a low habit such as lavender, helichrysum, geranium, evonymus, cinquefoil, bergenia and abelia. This solution is suitable, for example, for the creation of raised beds with stone gabions or other borders to better define the perimeter of the flowering area.
In gardens that enjoy a sunny exposure, on the other hand, a Mediterranean flower bed can be planted using, for example, callistemon, kniphofia, lentisk, sagebrush, dwarf oleander, viburnum, laurel and helichrysum.
A selection of shrubs that includes laurel, rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme, mugwort and other aromatic plants-including lavender-creates a practical aromatic flower bed that can also be used for food preparation, herbal teas or infusions. To add a splash of color, aromatic shrubs can be combined with lilacs, abelias or roses. These, together with other floral varieties, such as delosperm, St. John's Wort and oleander, make it possible to create an aurora with simultaneous flowering.