New to doing flower beds

[Coach Rick]

I long admired how flowers make an otherwise, boring piece of land come alive. Now I find myself wanting to take a turn at it. Last summer I cut out an area apporximately 12'X20' lined it with scalloped stone, and filled it with red cedar chips, then I have another area terraced above it about 12' X 8', semi curcular leveled from a sloping area with an "Old Forge" brick wall. In that area I put a bird bath, and again red cedar chips. These two beds are right at the foot of my fron walkway. My question is, where do I start? I know that's a huge question. I can visualize what I want to see there, but just where can I go to put together the look I am striving for.

Yesterday I took a ride to our local Lowes, and left more confused than when I walked in. I have a very difficult time picturing those plants in my garden. Are there any web sites that will help me to this end? I know this is allot to ask, but you guys really seem to be masters, and who better to ask than the masters themselves.

 

[Mamu]

Coach Rick there are web-sites, and some great books that may help. Check out the books at Lowe's first they may help.

There are so many different types of gardening styles. Some are shrubs, some combine shrubs with flowers (perennials and annuals) It's hard to give advice when we are not sure the effects you are looking for.

Local nurseries can also help. I noticed you live in Woonsocket, there is a great nursery on Washington Street in Franklin. It's called Hillside Nurseries. They can help with a drawing, and which plants would be best for your area. Whether you do it yourself or choose help, I agree color makes the area come alive.

You need to know which plants are good for the area. Some plants grow very large and may overpower the look you want. Good luck! We can help with lots of things, but a design need to be personal. My likes may not be the same as yours.

 

[olena]

Welcome to the F*G Buds, Coach Rick....

 

[Coach Rick]

Originally posted by olena
Welcome to the F*G Buds, Coach Rick....

Thanks Heather, by the way I am waaayyy envious. Leaving for DW tomorrow, huh? Lucky you. Have a great, and safe trip.

 

[olena]

Thanks...

You know, annually they have the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot. You could really get some great ideas and attend some seminars. Sounds like a PERFECT reason to plan a trip...

 

[Coach Rick]

Originally posted by olena
Thanks...

You know, annually they have the Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot. You could really get some great ideas and attend some seminars. Sounds like a PERFECT reason to plan a trip...

Yeah, but being a school teacher this time of year is impossible for me. Maybe some day.....

 

[Coach Rick]

Originally posted by Mamu

Local nurseries can also help. I noticed you live in Woonsocket, there is a great nursery on Washington Street in Franklin. It's called Hillside Nurseries. They can help with a drawing, and which plants would be best for your area. Whether you do it yourself or choose help, I agree color makes the area come alive.

Thanks for the tip. I have gone by Hillside a gazillion times, and for what ever reason, never thought of them. I will go visit them this weekend. I am also thinking water garden next to my back deck. Do you know if they have supplies for that also.

 

[Mamu]

Hi Coach Rick, Schafer Nursery in Bellingham Ma. on route 126 sells watergardening plants, they also have a day class you can take on watergardening. It's usually held on a saturday morning. There also is a Nursery in Wrentham Ma. don't know the name, but it after you pass the Wrentham Outlet Mall on your left after the 495 ramps. It's a great nursery that also sells some watergardening plants. Hope this helps.