An island bed can add pizzazz to a landscape by adding color, texture and height to the area. Let’s take a look at how to make a flower bed on the island in the landscape. Island Bed Garden Design There are a number of considerations to keep in mind when designing an island bed. This can include its location, shape, size, plant selection and additional accents.
Island Bed Location Island beds are not placed against the home or any type of structure. Instead, they float alone in the landscape, often surrounded by lawn where they can be seen from all directions. Island beds can be placed near a corner, by the driveway or by the entrance walk. Hard to Kill Houseplants 0 seconds out of 1 minute, 15 seconds Volume 0% First, select an area of the landscape that is easy to see from all sides. Form the island bed, mark it with paint or flour. Dig out the grass within the perimeter and line the bed with neat edges, such as rocks. Add about 4 to 6 inches (10-15 cm.) of topsoil, more if you have it (amended with compost), to the island’s bed, spreading it evenly or for added interest, add hills or mounds.
For those who want to be creative, island beds can also be strategically placed in other parts of the landscape. For example, when we had done some digging we took the extra dirt and placed it in the center of our circle unit. Not only could the bed of the island be seen from the home and other parts of the landscape, but each side was easy to see as you drove around it.
Explore More Island Flower Bed Shapes An island bed can take almost any shape. The size is also variable. However, since island beds are seen from all directions, it is usually better to make them half as wide as the distance from where they will be seen. For example, if an island bed is located 10 feet (3 m.) from the home, make it at least 5 feet wide (1.5 m.) for greater impact. However, the size is entirely up to the individual gardener and is also dependent on available space. Island beds are generally easier to maintain because they are accessible from all sides, but if you don’t have time to maintain one, keep it small and closer to home. Wherever you place it, an island bed should be large enough to create an effect. If it is too small, the bed will look and feel worse. Remember, the goal is to add interest, not take it away.
Plants for Island Beds With your location, shape and size in mind, it’s time to bring the island bed to life with an assortment of plants and accessories. Creating island discounts can be challenging if careful planning is not done in advance, as these types of discounts are seen from all sides, at all times of the year. Therefore, year-round interest plays a decisive role in its design. Plants should be chosen to suit each season, mixing different plant types together. Choose plants according to color, flowering cycle, characteristics and cultivation needs. Evergreen plantings are good for year-round color, especially during winter.