Create a New Garden Border

Plant a bed of mixed perennials for a colorful, easy-care garden.

Excerpted from How to Grow Practically Everything
Filed under: Gardening

Enrich the Soil

Whatever your soil type, it will benefit from an application of well-rotted organic matter, such as manure or garden compost. Either use the "single-digging" method, or dig in organic matter by spreading a 3-inch layer over the border and mixing it into the top 6 inches of soil. Rake the surface smooth.

Position the Plants

Make sure you buy plants that suit your site and soil conditions and the style you wish to create. This free-draining, sunny site suits a prairie-style design. Set out your plants in their pots and step back to see how the arrangement looks.

Water Plants Well

Check that tall plants won't shade the smaller ones, and position the perennials in groups of three or more. Water them well before planting, either with a watering can or by plunging the pots in a bucket of water, waiting for the bubbles to disperse, and then removing the plants to drain.