How to Design Flower Beds

Overview

Creating a dramatic and colorful landscape takes some planning and research. However, designing beautiful flower beds can be an easy process if you follow a few simple rules used by professional landscapers.

Step 1

Think about how the flower bed will be used. For example, will it be used as a screen, a border around an object of interest, to add color around the foundation of the house or to attract wildlife? Deciding on the function of the flower bed will make research and plant choices easier.

Step 2

Consider the amount of space available and access requirements. Leave room for kids and pets to play and provide access for large garden tools like wheelbarrows and lawnmowers.

Step 3

Decide how the flower bed will be viewed. If viewed from one side, put taller plants in back; if viewed from all sides, put taller plants toward the middle.

Step 4

Design beds for water-loving plants close to a water source and drought-tolerant plants further away.

Step 5

Use a string, rope or garden hose to mark different angles and sizes of potential flower beds. Flowing and irregular lines are easier to mow around than sharp angles. Flower beds greater than 2 feet wide will require stepping into the bed for maintenance, but wider beds create more impact.