How to design a classic flowering border

1. Assess the soil (ph, moisture and consistency) and site (sunny or shady)

2. Using a book, t'internet or knowledge, choose several plants you like that will grow well in the soil and site

3. Narrow down your plant choices by considering:

(a) which will grow the best in the soil (improved or not) and sunniness or shadiness of the site

(b) whether you want plants to flower at the same time and/ or in succession

(c) the size of your border - wide and tall plants look good in small gardens but you can't have as much variation (mono borders and limited combinations can look great too)

5. Organise your planting scheme in drifts so:

(i) flower colours of each plant compliment (usually) or contrast using a colour wheel - you can use a single flowering colour or plant too (complimentary colours are next to/ near each other on the colour wheel right) 

(ii) textures contrast (i.e. different leaf and flower forms)

(iii) there are variations in height, either adhoc or following a 'sort of' pattern

Use the 'SEARCH THIS BLOG' function (right) or click here for more good plants and gardening tips: http://greenshootsgardeningandhorticulture.blogspot.com/