I've been trying to design my flower beds, but I always end up with plants spaced too far apart. There's a long stretch along my back fence that really needs help. I have a large hydrangea and a knock-out rose bush, but other plants have just stayed small, leaving my bed looking flat and one-dimensional. I see beautiful gardens online with plants of various heights and sizes, staggered together. I know it takes time for gardens to fill in, but every time I try putting plants closer together, it looks unintentional. What are some tips to achieve that layered look, and could anyone share how their flower beds have evolved over time?
3 Answers
To get that layered look, I recommend having at least a 6-foot depth for your flower bed. Also, sharing some pics could really help people give you better advice!
Start by making a list of the plants you love and organizing them by size. You want to position short plants in front and tall ones in the back. This will help create that visual depth you’re after!
It sounds like you're on the right track wanting to mix heights and plant densely. Shrubs like your hydrangea need room to grow, but perennials are a great option since you can replant or divide them as needed. They can fill in your bed beautifully if you use medium-sized varieties. Try looking at resources like Gardenia.net to find plants that will give you that staggered height. And yes, grouping similar plants together rather than going with one of each makes a huge difference!