One of the simplest–but most impactful–ways to elevate your front yard and give your curbside appeal a serious boost is by adding some flower beds to the area. The beauty of flower beds is that they can be as time-intensive or quick-and-easy as you’d like them to be. Depending on the flower bed layout you choose and the flowers that you plant, you can create yourself a beautiful mini-oasis that doesn’t require more than a few minutes of attention each week. Today, we’re taking a closer look at everything you need to know about successfully setting up and maintaining your front yard flower beds. Let’s get into it!
Don’t Underestimate Curbside Appeal
Is There a Right Time to Start?
If we were in Montana or Minnesota, planting a garden in the frigid autumn might not be the best idea. Luckily, though Florida’s environment does present its own set of challenges to gardeners regardless of experience level, it’s no secret that the fall is actually a great time to plant a flower bed in the Sunshine State.
Florida autumns see temperatures start to cool down a little bit from summer’s three-digit highs. However, temperatures do remain mild enough that your plants are likely to grow relatively untried and unscathed. This doesn’t just make the fall a good time to plant a new flower bed–it makes it one of the best times! Due to Florida’s relatively mild falls and winters, it’s possible to plant a huge array of flowers any time of the year. However, because the fall sees higher amounts of daylight hours and warmer weather than the winter, the ideal time is definitely now.
Types of Flower Beds Explained
“Flower bed” may invoke some specific images in our mind’s eye, but it’s actually a pretty general term. The truth is that flower beds come in lots of different shapes and sizes, and the one you choose can have a big impact on the maintenance you can expect going forward. Here’s a look at some of the most common types of flower beds that you can choose from:
Choosing the Right Soil
Florida soil is not naturally the most conducive to successful plant growth for a few reasons, including high salt and sand concentrations combined with an absence of key nutrients. For this reason, it’s a good idea to invest in nutrient-rich soil that’s specifically tailored to the types of flowers you’ll be planting. It’s also important to protect your soil by insulating it against weeds and disease with mulch or wood chips on top.
Planting the Right Seeds
Not every flower will thrive in Florida. If you want a flower bed that will last, you’ll need flowers that do well in warm weather, even if you’re not planting until the fall. Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to look into either perennials (like hollyhocks, purple cone flowers, or butterfly weed) or tropical flowers (like birds of paradise, plumerias, or hibiscus).
The Basics of Flower Bed Maintenance
Flower beds are relatively small surface areas, so diligence is key if order to maintain your flowers’ health and aesthetic appeal. Here are some best practices to keep in mind as you look to your flowers’ future:
