Colorful Borders

Garden Border Ideas: A Guide to Creating Beautiful Planting Schemes

Planning Your Garden Border

Before you start planting, it’s important to plan your garden border. Consider the size and shape of the border, as well as the amount of sunlight it receives. You’ll also need to choose plants that are suited to the soil type and climate in your area.

Choosing Plants for Your Garden Border

When choosing plants for your garden border, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Aspect: The direction your border faces will determine how much sunlight it receives. Choose plants that are suited to the amount of sunlight your border gets.
• Planting style: Do you want a formal border with neatly trimmed hedges, or a more relaxed cottage garden style? Choose plants that fit the style you’re going for.
• Plant size and shape: Consider the mature size and shape of the plants you choose. You don’t want to overcrowd your border or have plants that will quickly outgrow their space.

Positioning Your Plants

Once you’ve chosen your plants, it’s time to start positioning them in your border. Here are a few tips:

• Plant in groups of three or five: This will create a more visually appealing display.
• Place taller plants at the back of the border: This will help to create a sense of depth and interest.
• Consider the mature size of your plants: Don’t plant them too close together, or they’ll quickly become overcrowded.

Top Plants for Borders in Problem Spots

If you have a problem spot in your garden, such as a shady area or clay soil, don’t worry! There are plenty of plants that can thrive in these conditions.

• Shady areas: Hostas, ferns, and hellebores are all good choices for shady borders.
• Clay soil: Plants with deep roots, such as delphiniums and lupines, can tolerate clay soil.
• Narrow borders: Columnar trees and shrubs, such as fastigiate yews and upright junipers, are good choices for narrow borders.
• Dry shady borders: Drought-tolerant plants, such as lavender and rosemary, can thrive in dry shady borders.
• Borders in deep shade: Plants that can tolerate deep shade, such as mondo grass and pachysandra, are good choices for borders in deep shade.

Creating a Beautiful Garden Border

With a little planning and effort, you can create a beautiful garden border that will add color and interest to your garden. Here are a few tips:

• Use a variety of plants: Don’t be afraid to mix and match different types of plants, such as flowers, shrubs, and trees.
• Create a focal point: Plant a taller plant or a group of plants in the center of your border to create a focal point.
• Add some height: Use taller plants to create a sense of height and drama.
• Don’t forget about the edges: Plant low-growing plants along the edge of your border to create a finished look.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Garden Border

1. Plan your border: Decide on the size, shape, and style of your border.
2. Choose your plants: Select plants that are suited to the aspect, soil type, and climate in your area.
3. Position your plants: Plant your plants in groups of three or five, and place taller plants at the back of the border.
4. Fill in the gaps: Once your plants are established, you can fill in any gaps with annuals or small plants.
5. Enjoy your beautiful border!