Flowerbed Design 101

Creating a planned landscape design for your space is a crucial step to creating a functional and beautiful space. By taking the time to think through all the elements of your space you will be more successful with the plants that grow there. Following a few simple steps will help you achieve the results you’d like. Here are our recommendations on how to get started.

1. Determine the space that you want to design. This is an important step because you need a defined space to start the process and not get overwhelmed with the project. We suggest starting small so that you get a feel for the project and you do not get overwhelmed.

   • Is it a corner that needs reworking?
   • A flowerbed that leaves much to be desired?
   • Or, are you looking to re-do your backyard.

2. Measure the space width and length with a tape measure. Write these measurements down and convert to plot on graph paper. We suggest using graph paper that is 1/8 inch so the squares are not so small and you and you can easily see what you are working.

• A scale plan is a proportional visual representation of your garden, and you can draw one easily by converting the measurements you took of your garden to one of the scales in this project.

3. Lay the area out on graph paper. Make sure that you account for all the different elements that make up your bed if there is a birdhouse or other decorative element or if you have a fence nearby all of these are important pieces in making sure your area is accurate on paper.
4. Determine your light requirements. Take a good look at the light your area gets.

   • Is it morning, afternoon, late afternoon?
   • Is it dappled, shady or direct sun?
   • We recommend watching this space for a day to understand fully how this area receives light.

5. Water- determine the water in this space.

   • Is it wet or dry? Does it collect water when it rains?
   • Even determine how much watering you want to put into this project? Or, do you not want to water at all.

6. Determine the bed lines. This is where the style of your house and the style of landscape can affect your choice.

   • Are you looking for something formal? Informal?
   • Sweeping and flowing?
   • Or, simply straight lines?

7. Other design elements and landscape tips.

   • What are the heights of your windows?
   • Front porch?
   • Or, are there any other architectural features.

8. Soil Preparation – start with the right foundation and you will have success.

   Soil evaluation. McDonald Garden Center offers free soil testing for your pH. This will help determine any amendments you may need to add for proper soil balance. You will also need to evaluate the kind of soil you have? Clay or sandy. By a simple test you can easily determine. Simply go outside when the soil is damp and collect a handful of soil. If it sticks together and forms a tight ball then you have clay soil if it falls apart then you have sandy.

   Kill off the grass if there is any in that area. We recommend using Killz All or Round Up to get rid of any grasses that may be in the area.

9. Pick your plants. With all of these questions answered, now comes the fun part picking the plants. You can either visit any year round McDonald location for an expert to help you choose or you can start on your own. Definitely familiarize yourself with the tags on each plant. That will give you the information required to choose the best plant for your space.
10. Most of all have fun! This is your unique space, give it your own personality so that you will enjoy it for years to come.