New Flower Bed 101
In early spring I started a new flower bed. The trees in the back yard had matured so much that my sun loving perennials were reaching for light. The location I selected had an established lawn. Remember to check with your local county or city for any required authorizations before you dig.
For demonstration purposes we chose to prepare the sight by hand.
Begin by measuring out the desired size of your garden. With a shovel lift the sod and turn it over. Shake the dirt off the pieces of sod and toss into a nearby wheel barrow. Use a garden rake to smooth out the soil. The next step is a technique called, “double digging.” It involves removing the top layer of soil by digging a small trench that is approximately 12” deep. Next, loosen several inches of the bottom of the trench with a garden fork. Dig a second trench directly beside the first, back filling the first trench with the soil from the second. We used the double digging technique to give the soil a loose consistency. At this point we added compost at the ratio of 2 parts soil to 1 part compost. This garden plot is surrounded on two sides by an established lawn so we installed edging to prevent grass from creeping back into the flower bed. The plastic edging shown here is much easier to work with when allowed to soften in the sun before installing. Dig a narrow trench the depth of the edging. Put the edging in the trench and keep it in place by partially back filling the trench. Use a tape measure to insure a straight line and tamp the soil around the edging with a sledge hammer. Repeat this process until the edging is up to ground level. Now you are ready to plant.
Score around all four sides of established plants with a shovel to insure that the root ball and surrounding soil stays intact. I used plastic bags to transport plants directly from one location to another. (Note: If you are unable to replant on the same day you will want to place plants into pots.) Set the bagged plants in their approximate locations. Use a measuring stick to insure proper spacing when planting. I have found that 1 tablespoon granulated sugar plus 1 tablespoon Epsom salt added to one gallon of water makes an excellent tonic that seems to ward off transplant shock.
To finish off the garden I added a few annual plants including a blue Fan Flower, (Scaevola saligna) which I had kept over the winter in my greenhouse. I like to use several layers of news paper in place of landscape fabric. I have found it helpful to use a handful of much to hold the layers of newspaper down as I lay it throughout the garden. When all the news paper is in place; top it with 3-6 inches of mulch and add any desired lawn ornaments etc.
