This is what my flower bed layout looks like currently.
Need ideas to redo my flower beds
I have two long flower beds that lay against the back of my house as seen in the picture below. I have Columbins, snapfdragons, irises, four o'clocks and i believe the rest are weeds. I would like to reuse the plants i have and thin some out. I need help designing the layout of the plants like where I should place them and such. I also am looking for ideas to hide the ac unit or landscape around it. I really want to keep the flower beds the same size due to my back yard being small. Attached i added other pics of the plants and you can see how long and wide the flower beds.
These are my four o'clocks in back and irises in front. This was taken in late summer
This was just taken (May 13th) and these are the irises before the four o'clocks take over.
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Here's a good way to hide your AC unit!
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/repair/air-conditioning/fence-picket-a-c-unit-cover-1452431
Fence Picket A/C Unit Cover
I would add in some taller flowers like sunflower and hollyhocks
HI! you can hide the a/c unit with some shrubbery... like boxwoods. You did not mention which state you are in --- and that makes a BIG planting difference. Check out this resource!
https://garden.org/nga/zipzone/
I like the idea from the others for hiding the a/c unit. I think it'd be neat to get some stones to kind of frame in the flowers. Then, I would add some flowers/plants of different heights and that bloom at different times of the spring/summer. For instance, in the spring I'll have my bulbs (tulips, daffodils) and peonies blooming, then the roses, hosta blooms, etc. and usually the summer wraps up with my shasta daisies, butterfly bush, etc. You could also add in some pots with fresh annuals like wave petunias for more pops of color.
Good idea on the ac unit! Some taller plants would be nice, the sunflowers-if you get the ones with huge heads they have a tendency to sway and might knock against the house and drive you nuts. They also might attract birds and they'd eat the seeds. There are some varieties of sunflowers that do not have big heads, very pretty and delicate. I just love your iris patch, so beautiful.
You could hide all of the equipment on the outside wall.
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/q-decor-ideas-to-hide-utility-boxes-cables-outside-8643490#!
Many plants benefit from thinning. Put the tallest plants in the back and gradually step down the size as you work your way to the front.
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/outdoor/garden/how-to-plan-and-plant-a-flower-garden-40977742
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/build/raised-garden-beds/tiered-flower-garden-makeover-36711420
https://www.hometalk.com/diy/grow/landscaping/transforming-my-backyard-into-a-secret-garden-1433010?expand_all_questions=1
How to Plan and Plant a Flower Garden
Tiered Flower Garden Makeover
Transforming my Backyard into a Secret Garden- Part 1
What can I do in this outdoor space to hide utility boxes/cables/etc?
You just need to dress it up a bit. I think some nice pavers instead of the wire you have in front of your flowers. Build it out a tiny bit wider and use dark mulch and with your beautiful plants it will look spectacular.
Since you have so many wonderful plants that are doing well in the area, as you thin why not place the tallest plants closest to your home perhaps in groups of three for some visual interest. The shorter, snapdragons, etc. would go in the front also in clumps for intrest. I'd sugest purchasing pastic trellis type material to improve the area around your A/C unit while still offeing good air flow surrounding it for optimum performance. You can also train vines up your home with trellises here and there and especially near your electric meter to make it less noticeable. A few good sized stones/rocks would also offer some additional interest.
All great ideas. The trouble with having flower beds lined up against the house is it looks kind of 'flat'. A curved border would give you some shape without taking up any more space. I like to have taller flowers in the back and mix the types of flowers so that there is always something blooming from daffodils through irises through tiger lilies. Good luck and stay safe!
The AC cover is great. You can also use pallet wood or lattice panels. For the beds Just clean them up and maybe thin out some of the flowers but not necessary. For a great impact tall plant in the back and shorter ones towards the front. I see a scalloped stone border with some fencing behind it. I would remove those. I am redoing my planter box along my garage. I had plastic edging as a border which I removed. Replacing it with retaining wall blocks one level the full length and two level at the corners. To save money I am using patio blocks as the top cap and placing them upside down. Construction adhesive to glue them down. Plastic sheeting as a weed barrier and red wood mulch when done. Been raining for the past few days so I can't finish. Once done it will cost me about $60.
https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/landscaping-materials/retaining-wall-block/3-1-2-x-11-1-2-crestone-beveled-retaining-wall-block/1794092/p-1444441423022.htm
https://www.menards.com/main/building-materials/landscaping-materials/pavers-patio-blocks/8-x-16-classic-patio-block/1791103/p-1444441418955.htm
We have placed shrubs with appropriate clearance near the hvac for screening at previous homes.
Where are you located?
That would determine the best flowering plant Or shrubs to suggest. Most plants success depend on their hardness to geographic planting zones presenting weather conditions. This information could give us more clue to give you the best suggestions for plant success!
Additionally for the best local professional advice
I would highly suggest contacting your cooperative extension. These offices are manned by volunteer master gardeners on site there waiting to answer the communities questions that know your local situation quite well.
Master gardeners are required to volunteer back designated hours ( plus continuing education) each year to maintain MG certification -this community outreach and education is their goal.
Best wishes in your gardening and landscaping adventures!
You have beautiful flowers You have done well. I think what might be bothering you is the bed's flat front. And the fence makes it look even flatter. Get rid of the fence.
If you don't want to curve the bed then you could remove the front row of lower plants in pockets to give the bed a more meandering look. Then replace those with VERY LOW plants that will spill over the edge of the bed.
You might consider some tall plants with dark foliage on the right corner and a wide dark trellis on the far left to contrast against the light siding.
https://wimastergardener.org/article/the-dark-side-plants-with-black-or-purple-foliage/
Hello. Try using hanging baskets spaced along the roof overhang and in front of AC unit as well. This will give you a fresh and aesthetic look. Depending on your locality and availability of flowering plants. The hanging baskets will provide year long loveliness
Takes a bit of extra TLC but well worth the effort.
Savings if you use 2 liter empty fuzzy drink bottles as your planters
Google fir ideas on how to use
Enjoy!
Here are some more flower bed ideas to inspire you:
https://www.hometalk.com/search/all?filter=flower%20bed
Here's a good resource with flower garden plans: https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/advice/g746/garden-plans/
I love a no fuss flower plan. https://www.bhg.com/gardening/plans/easy/15-no-fuss-garden-plans/
Here's a good resource with flower garden plans: https://www.countryliving.com/gardening/garden-ideas/advice/g746/garden-plans/
Hi Lil, hope this helps you out. You can definitely split your existing perennials and spread them out. To hide the A/C unit, simply pick up some plastic lattice from your home improvement store and us it to hide the unit and give it a tidier look.
https://www.homedepot.com/c/ai/how-to-hide-an-ac-unit-outside/9ba683603be9fa5395fab9014e2d1e81
Why not go a route that will make you different so you and your home stands out. There are ground covers that also bloom. Or a braver move would be making dry creek beds instead of plants/flowers.