Garden Flowers

When planting a flower garden one of the most commonly overlooked tasks is the actual choosing of the garden flowers. Just like people, not all garden flowers work well together or even like each other. So, as you plan your next flower garden use these simple guidelines to help you choose the best possible garden flowers for the garden of your dreams.

• Types of flowers. There are two basic types of flowers from which to choose from: annuals and perennial. The main difference between the two is that the annual blooms only once while the perennial blooms year after year. Some examples of beautiful annual flowers are marigolds, begonias, and black-eyed Susans. Some great perennials are baby's breath, lilies, and rose mallow.
• Display. If you want to make a display garden, then make sure your garden flowers are complementary. Each flower will have its own unique coloring, but as with any element of design there should be a common theme, and the colors need to be complimentary. Working with complimentary colors will help provide a sense of harmony and balance throughout your garden.
• Shrubs. When a person hears the word "shrubs" they often think of bushes and other types of plants that are not commonly considered garden flowers. However, keep in mind that flowers such as lilacs and roses are technically considered flowering shrubs. Roses, lilacs, hydrangea, and other kinds of flowering shrubs can be a wonderful addition to a garden flower collection—particularly since they typically don't require much maintenance.
• Blooming. Each garden flower has its own unique blooming schedule. The best kinds of gardens are those that bloom year round and not just for a few weeks during the summer. When choosing flowers, make sure that each type of flower will bloom in succession. Ideally you should choose flowers that will just begin to bloom as older garden flowers pass their prime. That way you will have a wonderful garden throughout the year.
• Care and maintenance. As you consider which garden flowers you will use, make sure you know the full extent of care and maintenance that each requires. What is the proper planting depth and spacing? How much and what kind of fertilizer works best? Will the fertilizers for one plant work well with its neighbors? How much watering and pruning will be necessary to help the plant or flower bloom?

Once you have answered all these questions, and chosen your garden flowers it is time to begin gardening. After planting, you will, in just a few short weeks, be able to sit back and enjoy your beautifully designed garden, all thanks to properly choosing your garden flowers.