Creating a garden requires equal quantities of art and science. With so many annuals and groundcovers available, how can you narrow down your choices?
First, consider the microclimate of the area--some spots may be warmer or cooler than in other parts of your yard. Then, perhaps on paper first, arrange the plants according to height and the desired forms and textures of the plants. Also consider the flowering periods for consistent blooming throughout the season. Group plants by type and color for a pleasing, pulled-together look.
To calculate the number of plants you need to fill your space, first measure the length and width of the planting area in inches. Insert your measurements into this formula:
(width/spacing per plant) X (length/spacing per plant) = number of plants needed
Buy about 10 percent more bedding plants than you think you'll need in case you underestimate the number of plants or some plants die before or after they are planted. Avoid buying large transplants because they tend to be root-bound in the cell pack and may take longer to become established in the garden. Instead, select small plants that have not bloomed yet. They will grow fast once in the garden.
When filling in around perennials, estimate the square footage available for new plants and be sure to leave plenty of room for existing and new plants to reach their mature size.
Knowing the characteristics of plants helps to narrow down your choices.
Cleome (spider flower):
- Prefers full sun or light shade
- Needs dry, well-drained soil
- Reaches a height of 4 to 6 feet--a good, tall filler plant
- Has large, spider-like flower clusters of violet ('Violet Queen'), rose, or white
- Blooms all summer
- Grows in all zones
- Attracts hummingbirds
- Withstands heat and drought
- Resists pests and disease
- Needs spacing of 1 to 2 feet apart
- Looks best in groupings of six or more
- Is self-seeding when seedpods mature on the plant
Blue salvia
- Prefers full sun or light shade
- Reaches a height of 18 inches
- Has silver-gray foliage and 8-inch lavender flower spikes
- Requires little maintenance
- Is considered an annual in Zone 5 and a perennial in Zones 6 or south
Coleus
- Grows well in sun or shade
- Prefers moist, well-drained soil
- Is a bushy plant with colorful foliage
Cup flower (Nierembergia sp.)
- Tolerates hot, dry areas
- Grows low--perfect for the front of a garden
- Features blue or white blooms ('Mont Blanc' variety has 1-inch white flowers with yellow eyes)
Carpet bugleweed
- Makes a great groundcover with deep green to pink and cream foliage
- Is covered with 4-inch spikes of flowers ('Silver variegated' variety has blue flowers)
- Spreads quickly by sending out runners in all directions
- Needs spacing of 15 inches between plants
- Is an invasive plant--not suitable as an edging for a lawn
Purple fountain grass:
- Prefers sunny locations
- Grows up to 3 feet tall
- Has bronze-purple leaves and reddish-pink flower spikes
- Is a rapid grower and prolific bloomer
- Makes a great centerpiece
Lemon licorice 'Limelight'
- A trailing plant that has bright chartreuse leaves
- Works well in hanging baskets and window boxes
- Stems grow to 20 inches long
- Trails over edges of pot
When planting in containers, consider the compatibility of the plants you are using. For instance, choose plants with similar light and water requirements. A popular container arrangement features a tall central plant surrounded by shorter plants that grow below it and hang over the pot's edge.
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