Home
Articles
Annuals
New Ideas in Annual Beds
Annual beds can be some of the most exciting because they are
usually planned for bold color impact. You can have several beds
devoted to single, showy species including geraniums, dahlias,
celosias, cockscomb, and plume celosias. A geranium bed can
include old and new varieties of zonal types, as well as ivy-leaf
geraniums as bedding plants. Dahlias can be started from either
seed or tubers, so you may want to include a combination of
plants derived from both. An "All-America" bed can contain
species chosen for excellence in color, growth habit, and weather
and pest resistance. All-America Selections from various years
can be represented throughout the beds to combine newly
introduced varieties with old favorites.
When planning the annual beds, it is intriguing to design what is
refered to as "theme" beds. Because of increasing interest in
water-conservative gardening, a bed of drought-tolerant annuals
can include species of portulaca, amaranthus, and pennisetum. A
favorite theme of many gardeners is "edible ornamentals." Plants
can be considered for their culinary value, yet also be quite
pleasing aesthetically. This bed can feature ornamental peppers,
basils, and teddy bear sunflowers. Everlastings are usually a hit
with gardeners who like to do their own floral designs. A
combination of plants for an everlasting bed can include globe
amaranth and strawflowers, as well as annual statice, eucalyptus,
and annual baby's breath. A bed devoted to fragrant plants, such
as scented geraniums and basils, is sure to please more than just
your sense of smell.
By far, the most unusual approach to a theme bed would be the
"vine" bed, with a focus on annual species, such as moon vine,
black-eyed susan vine, and monastery bells, that are easy to
grow, aggressive, and particularly attractive. Small structures
can be erected to support the vines, and an annual groundcover
can fill in any bare areas. This bed would undoubtedly be an
eye-catcher! You might also consider trying an "interplant" bed
by planting two species in a checkerboard pattern. The rationale
is simple: some annuals flower early in the season, while others
flower late, so two of these species together extend the season
of color. You could plant yellow dwarf cosmos with red salvia or
red snapdragons interplanted with dusty miller.
With the varieties of flowers available to gardeners, your only
limit when designing an annual flower bed is your imagination!
|
Refer a Friend
to Garden Simply!
