The Flower Garden: A Practical Guide to Planning & Planting

From exotic paradises and romantic meadows to manicured walkways and carefully chosen container arrangements, flowers bring color, fragrance, spectacular effects, and magic to any garden. With a little help, even first-time gardeners can cultivate fabulous floral displays in carefully constructed borders, luxurious beds, and clay pots. Whether you're starting from scratch or sprucing up what's already there, plan your flowery haven by taking into account factors such as size, existing features, lighting, climate, and soil. Colorful drawings of original planting ideas can provide a blueprint for your arrangement--or simply spur your imagination. Establish focal points, effectively juxtapose different varieties, and use trees, shrubs, and climbers. As you look through these bright and alluring photographs, including a directory of key plants, consider each bloom's shape, texture, flowering cycle, and of course hue. A handy summary of seasonal tasks ensures your flowers' year-round success and health.