Planning a Perennial Border

Putting in a new flower bed is one of the most satisfying aspects of gardening, and the first part of putting in a new garden is planning it. It's the part of the process that most people try to stretch out and enjoy the most, but can't sit still until it's done.

Whether you are starting afresh with a bare peice of land never gardened on before, or you have inherited an already in-place garden, the first step should be mapping out what you've got.

Click Here to See a Full-sized Map
Here is a simple map of part of my garden. The green area represents a part of the garden I would like to plant some perennials and small shrubs in, to acheive some kind of a transition from Chicken Run to Vegetable garden without seeming too bland.

Your map doesn't need to be as complex as mine. You have to understand that I am showing off a bit, and trying to show a little bit of all the features you could have on your map. I wouldn't make the map this fancy if it was just for myself.

I suggest you make the initial map out by the garden. Don't get too worked up in measurements yet, but try to draw your lines approximately the right length. Try to capture the spirit of the land you will be cultivating, it's lines and curves, and what else it is related to around it.

Note the placement of windows or other objects. Your garden could end up framing and enhancing architecture in sheds, houses or fences, or hiding certain eye sores.

Figuring out what you want from your perennial border is the second step. What is it that you want to acheive in that space you just mapped out? If you can squint your eyes and imagine your garden in place, you probably don't even need to make much of a plan. If you know you want it to look pretty, or dramatic, but don't know how to acheive that in this particular spot, a plan must be the way.

Now add to the map any notes regarding sunshine hitting it in the morning but not in the afternoon, notes about soil, or whatever might help you remember the conditions of the site.

Stay tuned for part II next week, when I will discuss putting your plan together and choosing plants.

The week following will be digging. I have talked about digging before, but only breifly. This special article on digging will discuss it in terms of starting with sod or weeds, and turning it over in a few steps to make a new flower bed ready for planting.

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