In the springtime, every yard flourishes with nascent buds and a rebirth of green to the Earth’s previously frozen surface. Yet, what factors contribute to a prized landscape? Flowers. They alone provide not only a picturesque view but also vital nutrients and pollen to our ecosystems. This spring is the perfect time to start planning for next year’s debut or plant/select flowers for planter boxes. To make your garden appear bountiful and vibrant, it is essential to include various types of flower species and acquire knowledge about what kinds of flowers are best suited for Michigan’s climate.
Before you dig right in, visualize what garden aesthetic you wish to achieve. This can depend on your home’s style or the garden’s placement: backyard, front yard, walkway, etc. When arranging the garden’s outline, choose color palettes that complement each other. To find hues that enhance each other, study the color wheel. The colors found beside and across from each other are best visually suited in the same flower bed. Garden designers suggest that there should be a repetition of plant types in the same flower beds to create cohesiveness and structure. Yet, they must be a variety of growth in the garden to promote complexity. A mixture of colors, heights, shapes, sizes, and bloom dates should proliferate within the space.
Upon carefully selecting plants, I advise choosing an array of seasonal blooms. When flowers have different blooming periods, it ensures that the garden will always have something fresh, vivid, and exciting to view. The various bloom dates and a mixture of annuals and perennials guarantee your garden will continue to awe walkers throughout the seasons. Some examples of perennials that thrive in Michigan’s climate are Columbines, Coneflowers, Hollyhocks, and Garden Phlox. They should last from late spring to early autumn. Combine the perennials with annuals to invent new styles throughout the summer months. Annuals that flourish in the temperate climate are Lantanas, Marigolds, Million Bells, Petunias, Salvias, Zinnias, and Tulips. Plant the perennials as the garden’s structure as they will last and re-bloom throughout the summertime, then add in annuals to fill in the vacant spots. In every garden, there must be a focal point. Statues, artwork, or a floral tree provide a great centerpiece!
My last piece of advice is to find a gardening buddy. Every gardening outing is a time to bond and have a great time with someone you enjoy talking to. If for anything else, a garden partner will keep you accountable for the floral masterpiece!