Arranging flowers around your new outdoor benches transforms a simple seating area into a charming garden retreat. Here are seven practical tips to create a stunning display.
First, consider your bench's environment. Is it in full sun, partial shade, or deep shade? Choose plants that thrive in those conditions. For sunny spots, consider drought-tolerant perennials like lavender, salvia, or coreopsis. For shade, hostas, ferns, and impatiens are excellent choices.
Create layers of height for visual interest. Plant taller varieties like ornamental grasses or small shrubs behind the bench. Use medium-height flowers such as coneflowers or daylilies beside it, and let trailing plants like ivy or sweet potato vine spill over the edges of containers or beds in front.
Think about color and fragrance. Soft, cool colors like blues and purples create a calming atmosphere, while bright yellows and reds feel energizing. Incorporating fragrant plants like gardenias, roses, or herbs like mint and thyme near where you sit engages another sense beautifully.
Don't forget containers and pots. They offer flexibility, especially for patios or hard surfaces. Use a mix of pot sizes and heights. Group three pots of varying sizes together for a professional look. Ensure all containers have proper drainage holes.
For low-maintenance beauty, structure your planting with evergreen shrubs or grasses that look good year-round. Then, add seasonal annuals for pops of color that you can change easily. Mulching your flower beds will conserve water and suppress weeds.
Finally, ensure your arrangements don't obstruct the function. Leave clear access to the bench and avoid plants with thorns or excessive pollen too close to the seating area. The goal is to create an inviting, comfortable nook where you can relax surrounded by nature's beauty.
With these tips, your outdoor benches will become the most delightful spots in your garden, perfect for quiet moments or entertaining friends.